The narrative of Nollywood has often been overshadowed by the accomplishments of male figures including directors and producers who have significantly contributed to making it the second-largest film industry in the world based on output.
However, there exists a formidable group of women whose contributions as producers, actors, directors, and entrepreneurs have been crucial in molding the industry across various periods.
To honor International Women’s Day, PREMIUM TIMES shines a light on prominent women who have helped to build Nigeria’s film industry, traversing from its foundational moments to its current globally recognized stature.
From the theatre experimentation of the 1960s and 1970s through the VHS home- video surge of the 1990s to today’s streaming expansion, women have consistently been at the forefront of Nollywood’s progress.
Pioneering Era: Theatre Foundations and Television Innovators
Taiwo Ajai-Lycett
Channeling the intellectual and artistic roots of Nigerian screen acting, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett’s name shines brightly. Born in 1941, she honed her craft in theatre within the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria during the cultural revival of the 1970s.
Her extensive career encompassed stage, television, and film, featuring in influential dramas like "Village Headmaster," "Ripples," and "Checkmate," which have played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s early broadcast storytelling landscape.
Beyond her acting prowess, Ajai-Lycett contributed to professionalizing the cultural performance in Nigeria, serving as a mentor to budding actors while she pushed for better cultural policies promoting creative industries. Her enduring legacy since the 1960s connects Nigeria’s theatrical roots to its emerging film culture.
Joke Silva
While Ajai-Lycett laid the intellectual groundwork, Joke Silva exemplified Nollywood’s transition into mainstream television and film. A graduate of the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Silva became a revered figure in Nigeria's acting scene, with her filmography featuring classics like "Violated," "The Secret Laughter of Women," "Phone Swap," and "The Two Aishas."
In addition to her acting career, Silva was a co-founder of the Lufodo Group, a theatre and production company that nurtures emerging actors and stage shows in Lagos, contributing to developing future generations of talent since the 1980s.
Elsie Olusola
Elsie Olusola, originally known as Telsie Nkune, is recognized as one of the first female producers in Nigerian television drama, particularly during her tenure with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Renowned for playing Sisi Clara in the iconic "Village Headmaster" (1968 – 1988), she was married to the show’s creator, Segun Olusola.
Olusola was instrumental in creating programs that seamlessly combined storytelling with cultural education. In an era dominated by male production roles, she stood out as one of the few women in leadership positions guiding program development and talent management.
Sadly, she passed away at the age of 37 on July 4, 1991.
Amaka Igwe
A significant figure in discussions about Nollywood’s early growth is Amaka Igwe, known as one of the industry’s most innovative creators. As a writer, director, and producer, she established Amaka Igwe Studios and created notable television series such as "Checkmate" and "Fuji House of Commotion."
Her landmark film, "Rattlesnake" (1995), marked a key moment in the early home-video landscape. Igwe was also an ardent advocate for enhanced intellectual property protections within Nollywood.
Her passing in 2014 at age 51 was a profound loss for the industry, losing one of its most imaginative architects.
Lola Fani-Kayode
Another vital figure during Nigeria’s early television era was Lola Fani- Kayode. As a producer with NTA, she contributed to acclaimed shows like "Mirror in the Sun," celebrated as one of the standout Nigerian soap operas of the 1980s. She was among the first female directors in Nigeria and related to political figure Femi Fani-Kayode.
Her productions widened storytelling horizons on Nigerian television, reflecting a more cosmopolitan glimpse into Nigerian existence.
The Home-Video Revolution: Emergence of Screen Icons
The early 1990s heralded Nollywood’s VHS revolution, catalyzed by the film "Living in Bondage" in 1992. This boom transformed female actors into some of the industry’s most recognized personalities.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Emerging as one of Nollywood’s early superstars, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde debuted in the mid-1990s, featuring in over 300 films, including "Mortal Inheritance," "Blood Sisters," and "Games Women Play."
She began with the film "Venom of Justice" in 1995 and has since taken on roles in various hits, including "Blood Sisters," "Games Women Play," and "Alter Ego." Her fame blossomed internationally when Time magazine listed her among the 100 most influential people globally in 2013. Recently, she made her directorial debut with the film "Mother’s Love," released on March 6, 2026.
Genevieve Nnaji
Rising to become the most recognizable global ambassador for Nollywood in the 2000s, Genevieve Nnaji’s acting career ignited as a teenager with the television soap "Ripples." She later starred in classics such as "Sharon Stone," "Blood Sisters," and "Ije."
In 2018, she directed "Lionheart," a groundbreaking film that became the first Nigerian entry acquired by Netflix and Nigeria’s inaugural submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Patience Ozokwor
Known as Mama G, Patience Ozokwor gained notoriety for her powerful depictions of wicked matriarchs in films like "Authority," "Old School," and "My Love." Her versatility has made her one of the most prolific actresses in Nollywood history.
Liz Benson
Another stalwart of Nollywood, Liz Benson dominated the home-video era with memorable roles in films such as "Glamour Girls," "Diamond Ring," and "True Confession." A respected actor known for her ability to portray intricate emotional roles, she took a break from acting to work in ministry before making a notable return to Nollywood in 2024.
Clarion Chukwura
Bringing her theatrical training to Nollywood, Clarion Chukwura gained prominence with "Money Power" (1992), winning the Best Actress award at FESPACO film festival. Celebrated as one of Nigeria’s most decorated actresses, she recently starred in the film "Amina."
Helen Ukpabio
A controversial yet impactful filmmaker and evangelist, Helen Ukpabio gained attention in the 1990s for her horror films that integrated religious messages, contributing to the diversification of Nollywood's genre landscape. Known for her witch-themed productions such as "Coven" and "Highway to the Grave," she also created the Liberty Gospel Church in Cross Rivers State.
The Growth Era: Women Behind the Lens
By the late 2000s, Nollywood began moving away from producing mass video films toward higher-budget cinematic productions.
Rita Dominic
An esteemed figure in Nollywood, Rita Dominic gained acclaim through films like "76," "The Meeting," and "La Femme Anjola." She co-founded The Audrey Silva Company, which has fostered critically acclaimed projects aimed at elevating production quality in Nollywood.
In 2022, Rita Dominic wed Fidelis Anosike at Selby Abbey in North Yorkshire, England.
Stephanie Linus
Stephanie Linus has extended Nollywood’s reach across the globe with her influential films like "Through the Glass" and "Dry." The latter film tackled issues such as child marriage and obstetric fistula, earning multiple international accolades and showcasing Nollywood’s capability for meaningful storytelling.
Uche Jombo
As one of Nollywood’s most productive screenwriters and producers, Uche Jombo is well known for films like "Damage," "Holding Hope," and "Heaven on My Mind," and is now venturing into producing her own YouTube films.
Looking Forward
The verification of women’s roles in Nollywood continues as streaming platforms, international collaborations, and unprecedented box office success make waves in the industry. This new chapter sees female professionals at the heartbeat of Nollywood’s evolution, ensuring that the legacies of pioneers remain influential in the stories that continue to be told.
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