Enugu, usually referred to as Enugu State to distinguish it from the city of Enugu, is a state in southeastern Nigeria, created in 1991 from part of the old Anambra State. Its capital and largest city is Enugu, from which the state derives its name.

Here are 14 nollywood actors from the state:

#1. Nkem Owoh

Nkem Owoh was born in Amagu Village, Udi Town, Enugu State, Nigeria, on October 17th, 1960. The comic actor had his primary and post-primary education in Nsukka, in Enugu State before moving to the Univerisity of Illorin to study Electrical Engineering. In the course of his studies, he began acting and landed several roles in both TV series and screen productions. By then, Nollywood was still in its formative years.

In Nigeria, the name Nkem means something that is dear and could be a reference to someone you love. It could also be translated as someone you value due to his intelligence, smartness, and irresistibility to the other gender.

Owoh had his first major break in acting when he landed a role in the screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. The 1987 series had fifty episodes each spanning about 50 minutes and was aired on the Nigerian Television Authority. As Nollywood picked pace, he landed a supporting role in both Ukwa 1 and 2 in 1995 alongside other big names such as Sam Loco and Patience Ozokwor.

Today, Nkem Owoh is credited in over 200 films and TV productions. Most Nigerian producers prefer to have sequels to almost every other film thus benefitting actors like Owoh who have to feature in movies that they have played as lead acts or major supporting casts. His biggest act so far is Osuofia in London which received worldwide acclaim in 2003.

#2. Kenneth Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo, born November 6, 1968, is a Nigerian actor , popularly known for his role in the movie Living in Bondage . as MR Andy Uba.

Okonkwo was born in Nsukka Enugu State.

In 2013 he won the African Movie Academy Award on a Special Recognition of Pillars of Nollywood. In 2015, he was given a special recognition award by the organisers of the City People Entertainment Awards for his contribution to the growth of entertainment in Nigeria.

#3. Onny Michael

Onuchukwu Michael Okpokwu popularly known as Onny Michael is a famous Nollywood actor, model, script writer, filmmaker and a television personality. He is popularly known for playing action and romantic roles in movies. He was born on 26th April 1978 in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria. 

Onny Michael is originally from Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria, where he completed both his primary and secondary school education and obtained both his First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate.

After completing his primary and secondary school education, Onny Michael proceeded to University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine and Applied Arts.

He joined the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) in the late 1990s and rose to fame after featuring in several Nollywood blockbuster movies. Onny Michael has acted in more than 150 Nollywood movies.

He acts mostly in action, glamour, epic, comedy, tragedy and romantic movies alongside with Chioma Chukwuka Akpota, Ini Edo, Queen Nwokoye, Funke Akindele, Rachael Okonkwo, and Mercy Johnson, amongst others. Apart from acting, Onny Michael is also an artist and a model.

Onny Michael in the cause of his career as an actor has been nominated for several awards which include Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award, Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, Best Actor in a Leading at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, Most Promising Act to Watch at the Best of Nollywood Awards and Best New Indigenous Actor (Igbo) at the City People Entertainment Awards.

#4. Steve Eboh

Steve Eboh popularly known as Ajeboh is a famous Nollywood actor, producer, television personality and a philanthropist. He acts mostly as a father, title chief, elder and a caring husband in Nollywood movies alongside with Ngozi Ezeonu, Eucharia Anunobi, Patience Ozokwor, Kenneth Okonkwo, Zack Orji and a host of other top Nollywood celebrities. He was born and bred in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria.

He was the former National Vice President for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and has contested for the position of the National President for the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Steve Eboh is originally from Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria, where he completed both his primary and secondary school education and obtained both his First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate.

Steve Eboh is currently married and his marriage is blessed with beautiful kids. He joined the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) in the early 1990s. He is currently one of the founding fathers of Nollywood and has contributed immensely to the growth of Nollywood in Nigeria and rest of the world.

Steve Eboh has acted in more than 150 Nollywood movies which include Extreme Measure, Love & Politics, a Night with the King, Honest Deceiver, etc. He acts mostly in action, tragic, comedy and epic movies alongside with Pete Edochie, Olu Jacobs, Nkiru Sylvanus, Ngozi Ezeonu, Kenneth Okonkwo, and a host of other top Nollywood celebrities.

Aside from acting, Steve Eboh is also a movie producer and has produced several blockbuster Nollywood movies. Steve Eboh in the cause of his career as an actor has won few awards which include Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the City People Entertainment Awards, Best Actor (Male) at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

#5. King Joe Okechukwu

King Joe Okechukwu is his stage name, but has his birth name as Joseph Chidi Okechukwu. He is a popular Nigerian actor, model, script writer, movie producer, great orator and television personality.

He was born in 1975 in Enugu state in south eastern Nigeria. He hails from Enugu state.

King Joe had his primary and secondary education in Enugu state for his first and secondary school certificates respectively. He later went to the University of Ghana in Accra to have a Bachelor’s degree in International Leadership.

King Joe started his acting career dated back to his early days in the secondary school when he used to perform stage plays and dramas.

He was introduced into the Nigerian Movie Industry in 1997 by the renowned Nollywood actor, Bob Manuel Udokwu and acted his first movie, ‘Rituals’ where he played a lead role.He also acted another hit movie, ‘Mark of the Beast’, a movie he played the lead role of a Pastor.

He has since starred in several movies, some of which include Government House, I Swear, Patience My First Lady, Deceit of Gods, Naomi and many others.

He is also a great orator and can move crowd for his brilliant oratory speeches. He has also written and published good books, quotes and motivational books.

King Joe has so far received several awards and nominations in recognition of his acting career. They include Best Actor in a leading role at the Best of Nollywood Awards, Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Best Actor in a supporting role at the African Movie Academy Awards.

#6. Prince Nwafor

Prince Nwafor is a popular Nollywood actor who is known for his amazing talent of playing different kind of roles in the Nigerian movie scene.

He was born and raised in Enugu.

He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Abia state University.

The talented actor who started acting at a very tender age joined the Nigeria movie industry in 2003 but came to limelight after playing the lead character in the movie “Forgive Me Father”.

Since his career, he has featured in more than fifty Nollywood movies including; Really Surprising, 33 minutes, War Front, Evil Coffin, Money Helps, Where Money Never Sleeps.

He got married to his lovely finacee, Amy on 17th April 2017 with his best man being the very popualr actor, Osita Iheme and the chief bridesmaid to be Regina Daniels.

Prince Nwafor has won several awards which include Most promising actor in Nigeria at the City People Entertainment awards, Best actor in a supporting role at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice awards.

#7. Sammy Lee Nnamdi

Onwuasoanya Samuel Nnamdi popularly known as Sammy Lee Nnamdi is a fast rising Nollywood actor, model and a television personality. He acts mostly in action, epic, tragic and romantic movies alongside with Zubby Michael, Sylvester Madu, Ken Erics, Regina Daniels, Yul Edochie, Chika Ike, Ini Edo, Tonto Dikeh, Rachael Okonkwo and other top Nollywood celebrities. He was born on 31st October 1989 in Kaduna State in the northern part of Nigeria. 

Sammy Lee Nnamdi is originally is from Udi, a small village in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria. He completed both his primary and secondary school in Enugu State, Nigeria and obtained both his First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate. After which he completed his tertiary education in Abia State in the south eastern part of Nigeria.

Sammy Lee Nnamdi joined the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) in 2014 and rose to fame after acting in the Nollywood blockbuster movie “Ifunanya and Keke Driver” a movie that brought him to limelight and gave him a lot of advantage in Nollywood.

Sammy Lee Nnamdi has acted in more than 60 Nollywood movies which include Stingy Millonaire, The Promise, Ojukwu the Warlord, Magic Queen, African Maidens, Boy Obi, Corporate Maidens, Men of Goodwill, Enemies Masquerade, Sacred Staff, etc. He acts mostly in action, epic, tragic and romantic movies alongside with several top Nollywood celebrities.

Aside from acting, Sammy Lee Nnamdi is also a business man, a motivational speaker and a writer that uses his simple way of writing to convey the message of social justice, wisdom and as well inspire a sense of moral rectitude.

Sammy Lee Nnamdi in the cause of his career as an actor has been nominated for Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the City People Entertainment Awards and Best New Act to Watch at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award.

#8. Chika Anyanwu Mbogu

Chika Anyanwu Mbogu is a famous Nollywood actor and a television personality. He acts mostly as an elder, titled chief, father, politician, father in-law and traditional ruler in several Nollywood movies alongside with Pete Edochie, Zulu Adigwe, Kanayo O Kanayo, Clem Ohameze, Kenneth Okonkwo, Chinwe Ntaluagu, Ngozi Ezeonu, Patience Ozokwor, and other top Nollywood celebrities.

He was born and bred in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria.

Chika Anyanwu Mbogu completed both his primary and secondary school education in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria and obtained both his First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate.

He joined the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) in the early 1990s and has acted in several Nollywood movies which include Aki na Ukwa, Issakkaba, Festival of Fire, Ogbanta the Family Hunter, Saved by Love, Enemies in Disguise, High Mistress, Plantain Girl, Sleepless Night, Billionaires Club, etc.

Chika Anyanwu Mbogu in the cause of his career as an actor has been nominated for several awards and has won few awards which include Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award, Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

#9. Benson Okonkwo

Benson Okonkwo popularly known as Mr. Packaging is a fast rising Nollywood actor, model and a television personality. He is popularly known for starring in romantic movies alongside with several Nollywood celebrities. He was born and bred in Enugu State in the South eastern part of Nigeria.

Benson Okonkwo completed both his primary and secondary school education in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria and obtained both his First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate. He started acting at a very tender age in his local church in Enugu, where he played the role of Jesus Christ during Station of the Cross held by Catholic Churches all over the world.

After completing his primary and secondary school education, Benson Okonkwo proceeded to Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu, Nigeria and graduated with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration Management.

Benson Okonkwo joined the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) in 2008 and has starred in over 50 movies which include No Man’s Land, Rain Drop, etc. Apart from acting Benson Okonkwo is also a model. He first started his career as a model before delving into Nollywood in 2008.

Benson Okonkwo has modeled for Nestle, Gold Circle Condom, Zain and many others. Benson Okonkwo has won the award for Sexiest Man at the City People Entertainment Awards. He has been rumored to be a gay, but during an interview with the media he debunks the rumor and reveals that he even has a girlfriend.

#10. Zulu Adigwe

Zulu Adigwe is a popular Nigerian actor, singer, script writer and television personality.

He was born and raised in Enugu state, his original home of birth, in the south eastern Nigeria.

Zulu Adigwe had his primary, secondary and tertiary education in Europe country (Australia) before returning to Nigeria in 1999 to settle down fully for his acting profession.

Zulu began his acting career dated back to his early age of seven years in his elementary school, when he used to act stage plays and drama.

He rose to fame in Nollywood after acting a hit movie “Blood of the Orphans”, a movie that earned him a nomination as best supporting role at the African Movie Academy Awards.

He is wonderfully creative, gifted and talented Nollywood actor. He knows how to interpret roles in movies and is liberal in accepting any character assigned him in most movies.

Zulu acts alongside the big stars in the movie industry like Pete Edochie, Ngozi Ezeonu, Patience Ozokwor, Chinwe Ntaluagu, Nkem Owoh, Kenneth Okonkwo and other top celebrities. He takes elderly roles in several Nollywood movies.

Zulu Adigwe has in his years of acting won several awards. Some and most recent include BBestactor in a leading role at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Most prominent actor in Nigeria at the best of Nollywood Awards, Best actor in a supporting role at the African Movie Academy Awards.

Aside acting, Zulu is known to be a lovely singer and brilliant script writer. No wonder, he is fondly referred to by his fans as ‘Mazi Udemba’.

Zulu Adigwe is happily married with grown up children and they are all doing very well in different fields of human endeavour.

#11. John Okafor

John Ikechukwu Okafor , popularly known as Mr. Ibu , is a Nigerian actor and comedian. Okafor is considered to be one of Nigeria’s most talented comic characters. His humorous acting is often characterized by stupidity, hilarious imbecility and a sharp disconnection from reality.

He hails from Nkanu West L.G., Enugu State. After elementary school , in 1974, Okafor moved to Sapele to stay with his brother, after his father’s demise. In Sapele, he did menial jobs so he could sponsor himself to school and support his family. He then worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography and also worked in a company that produces crates. After secondary school , he was admitted into the College of Education, Yola, but pulled out due to financial difficulties. He later enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) as soon as he was financially able to.

He has acted in more than 200 movies including Mr.Ibu (2004), Mr.Ibu in London (2004), Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007).

#12. Chiwetalu Agu

Chiwetalu Agu, born 1956, Enugu State, Nigeria, is a veteran Nigerian actor, comedian and movie producer who won the 2012 Nollywood award for ‘best actor in indigenous movie (non-English speaking language)’.

His usage of specific language slang , phrases or clichés in each film has made him uniquely a household name in Nigeria and among Nollywood admirers abroad. While asserting that comic genres is a unique vehicle in projecting Nigerian culture globally as well as establishing the Nollywood brand, Agu is listed as one of the outstanding comedians who have contributed to the development of Nollywood comic genres by Prof. Femi Shaka of the University of Port Harcourt. Agu is married to Nkechi and has three sons and two daughters.

Agu’s versatility dates back to the transition of Nigerian television soap operas to Nollywood movies. Before the inception of Nollywood, about 31 years ago, television soap opera was the order of the day and Agu featured in Nigerian Television Authority Channel 8 Enugu’s Ikoro, produced by Joe Onyekwelu. He also featured in ETV Channel 50, now ESBS in soaps like Baby Come Now and Ripples (in Lagos ), produced by Chico Ejiro ‘s brother, Zeb; in the latter he played the character of Chief Abunna.

#13. Swanky JKA

Jideofor Kenechukwu Achufusi, born 17 October 1991, Enugu State, Nigeria, is a Nigerian actor and model, best known for his portrayal of Nnamdi Okeke in Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, as well as Neo in Trace TV’s campus drama series Crazy, Lovely, Cool. Also known professionally as Swanky JKA, he won the Trailblazer award at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Originally a model, Achufusi began his acting career by playing supporting roles in Nollywood films Poka Messiah, Black Rose, Pretty Little Thing, Ofu Obi and A Lonely Lane. He made his breakthrough in 2019 by playing the charismatic Nnamdi Okeke in the movie Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, which earned him a Best Actor nomination and a Trailblazer award, both at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2020.

#15. Daniel K Daniel

Daniel K Daniel, whose full name is Daniel Kanayo Daniel, popularly known as DKD is a native of Nenwe in Aninri LGA Enugu State Nigeria.

He was born 22nd May 1986. He Studied Applied Biochemistry and attained a Bachelor of Science degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Anambara State. Daniel grew up partly in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu because his parents lived in these three cities.

He won the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Best Actor for his role in ‘A Soldier’s Story’ in 2016, in the same year, he also won the Best Actor award at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), making him the first Nigerian actor to achieve the feat of winning both awards in the same year.

His father – Engr Chris Daniel passed away in an accident when he was 18 so he and his siblings had to move to Abuja where His mother – Mrs Kande Daniel (Broadcast Journalist and former National President of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ), resides.

Daniel is the first of four, he has two younger brothers and a sister who is the last. He was part of the cast in the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) radio drama series – ‘Story Story’ and ‘Neighbour My Neighbour’. He also starred in the BBC Movie – Sarah’s Choice. In a stint in the Advertising/Corporate world, He worked with Orkin Nigeria/USA in 2011/2012. The high-point of this was his photo-shoot in Dubai to become the face of the company. He was also a MissDee Abuja Fashion Billboard Model for the year 2012.

In 2014, Daniel was nominated for two movie awards and He won both awards – The City People award for “Best New Actor” and The Best of Nollywood Award for “Revelation of the Year”. In 2015, Daniel won the award for “Best Upcoming Actor” in the AFRIFIMO Awards held in Maryland USA. Daniel was also nominated for the “Best Actor” Award in the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2016, for his outstanding portrayal of BossMan, A Rebel Leader in the movie – “A Soldiers Story”.

Daniel K Daniel has starred in movies like ‘A Soldiers Story’ ‘Ladies Men’, ‘Under’ which was filmed in Ghana, ‘Paint My Life’, ‘Tempest’, ‘Lions of 76’, ‘Jujuwood’, ‘Body of the King’, ‘Book of Magic’, ‘Mummy Dearest’, ‘A Long Night’, ‘Bambitious’, ‘Devil in Red’, ‘Fearless Lions’, ‘Chimaobi’, ‘Dise’s Secrets’, ‘Save A Life’, ‘Amiable’, AMBO4 (Amstel Malta Box Office) Movie – “The Child”, BBC Movie – “Sarah’s Choice”, MNET Movies – “Same Difference”, “Perfectly Flawed”,”MatchMaker”, “Girl” and “I’m Audrey.”

13 Actresses From Enugu State (Coal City State) and the name of the town they came from(Photos).

#1. Rita Nzelu

Rita Nzelu is a famous Nollywood actress, model, television personality, entrepreneur and a philanthropist. She was born and bred in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria, where she completed both her primary, secondary and tertiary education and obtained both her First School Leaving Certificate, West African Senior School Certificate and Bachelor’s Degree.

In 1990, Rita Nzelu joined the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) and acted in her first movie “Living in Bondage” a movie that brought Nollywood to prominence. The movie “Living in Bondage” became a blockbuster and skyrocket her to limelight. 

Rita Nzelu has acted in more than 100 Nollywood movies which include Nneka the Pretty Serpent, Long John, Odenigbo, Ukwa, Living in Bondage, Baby Mama, Unforgiven, etc. She always play the role of a nagging wife in Nollywood movies. Rita Nzelu is currently married to Simeon Okoro and the marriage is blessed with beautiful kids.

Rita Nzelu later quit acting and relocated to London, United Kingdom with her family and became devoted to her husband Simeon Okoro and her children. 

Rita Nzelu in the cause of her acting career has won several awards which include Best Actress of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards, Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards and Most Promising Actress in Nigeria at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. Rita Nzelu has established herself in the Nigeria movie industry and was one of the best paid actresses in Nigeria before quitting the industry. She has also won the Best Comedy Actress in Nigeria at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for her role in the Nollywood comedy movie “Ukwa” which she starred alongside with Nkem Owoh.

#2. Patience Ozokwor

Patience Ozokwor popularly called Mama G is a Nigerian actress, musician and fashion designer. She began her career in 1998 and became popular in 1999 after starring in the movie, Authority.

Patience has starred in over 200 movies, and has acted with prominent artistes like Olu Jacobs, Ini Edo, Rita Dominic, e.t.c .

She is an actress widely known for her cantankerous roles in the Nigerian movie industry.

Patience Ozokwor was born on March 25, 1958 in Ngwo, Enugu State, Nigeria. She attended Abimbola Gibson Memorial School, Lagos. Later on, she was admitted into Methodist Girls School, Yaba but relocated to Enugu with her family due to the civil war.

Subsequently, she attended Teachers’ Training College, Afikpo. Then, moved on to the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu to study Fine and Applied Arts specializing in graphics.

Acting for Ozokwor started at an early age. At a young age, her uncle gave her novels like Oliver Twist, Jane Eyre, e.t.c She began reading those novels even when she couldn’t comprehend the words.

Eventually, the books exposed her into the world of literature and creativity. She was also registered at the Takwa Bay Children’s Club and was socializing with other children through different activities. All of these in return gave her more exposure and confidence.

After college, Patience taught for four years before delving into broadcasting. Next, she was employed as an announcer for Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Enugu until its closure. At FRCN, she took part in radio theatres and other media and entertaining activities.

After FRCN shut down and workers retrenched, Patience engaged in petty trading until she met Chika Okpala. Okpala’s crew assigned her a role in a commercial without auditioning; and she acted well.

After, she featured in a soap opera, Someone Cares. Subsequently, she played challenging roles in Amina and Odum film. So, in 1999, she was chosen for the movie Authority. Authority was the blessing that opened other doors.

Currently, Patience is a widow. She was married at age 19, but her husband died in 2000. Since then, she has been a single mother and recently a grandmother.

#3. Uche Ebere Agu

Uche Ebere Agu is a famous Nollywood actress and a television personality. She acts mostly in epic and glamour movies alongside with Ngozi Ezeonu, Ebele Okaro, Ken Erics, Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke, Yul Edochie and other top Nollywood celebrities. She always plays the role of a house wife, mother in-law and a caring mother in Nollywood movies.

Uche Ebere Agu was born on 10th March 1971 in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria. She was born and bred in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria, where she completed both her primary and secondary school education and obtained both her First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate.

She was introduced into the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) by Patience Ozokwor. She came to limelight after playing the role of a mother to Odira Nwobu and a cheating wife to Dede One Day in the Nollywood popular comedy movie “Joseph the Dreamer.” 

Uche Ebere Agu has acted in more than 90 Nollywood movies.

Uche Ebere Agu in the cause of her career as an actress has been nominated for several awards which include Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, Most Promising Actress in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and Best Actress (Igbo) at the City People Entertainment Awards. 

#4. Chinwe Owoh

Chinwe Owoh is a veteran Nollywood actress, television personality and a philanthropist. She is referred to as the big mama of Nollywood. She is popularly known for her ability to cry in movies. Chinwe Owoh acts mostly in tragedy and sorrowful movies. She was born and bred in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria.

Chinwe Owoh completed her primary, secondary and tertiary education in Enugu, Nigeria. After completing her education, Chinwe Owoh joined the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) in 1999. In 2001, she acted in the Nollywood blockbuster movie “Mothering Sunday” which brought her to limelight.

Chinwe Owoh always acts as a mother, queen, step mother, grandma and widow in many Nollywood movies. Chinwe Owoh is very talented and gifted in acting. 

Chinwe Owoh has acted in more than 250 Nollywood movies.

Chinwe Owoh has acted in several Nollywood movies alongside with Patience Ozokwor, Nkem Owoh, Mercy Johnson, Ken Erics, Destiny Etiko, Rachael Okonkwo, Junior Pope Odunwodo, Chacha Eke and Regina Daniels.

Chinwe Owoh is currently married with many children and grandchildren. 

Chinwe Owoh has won several movie awards which include Most Prominent Actress in Nigeria at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. Best Actress in Nigeria at the City People Entertainment Awards and Best Actress in a Leading role at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

#5. Cynthia Okereke

Cynthia Nkiru Okereke is a famous Nollywood actress, television personality, entrepreneur and a philanthropist. She was born on 20 April 1960 in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria.

Cynthia Okereke completed both her primary and secondary school education in Enugu State in the south eastern part of Nigeria and obtained both her First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate. After completing her education, Cynthia Okereke worked in several organization before settling for acting.

In 1998, Cynthia Okereke joined the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) and acted in her first Nollywood movie “King Jaja of Opobo.” 

She was influence by her friend Obiajulu Nworji, who encouraged her to become one of the casts of the movie “King Jaja of Opobo” which was shot in 1998. In 2003, Cynthia Okereke rose to fame after starring in the Nollywood blockbuster movie “Osuofia in London” alongside with Nkem Owoh.

The movie “Osuofia in London” has been regarded as the most expensive and most successful movie Nollywood has ever produced which featured both Nigerian and British actors. The movie was shot in London, United Kingdom and various locations in Nigeria. The movie earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Nigeria at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Cynthia Okereke has acted in more than 180 Nollywood movies.

She always plays the role of a good mother, grandmother, royal queen and mother in-law in Nollywood movies. 

Cynthia Okereke in the cause of her acting career has been nominated and won several movie awards in Nigeria which include Most Promising Actress in Nigeria at the City People’s Entertainment Awards, Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and Best Supporting Actress at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. In 2013, Cynthia Okereke was honored as the “AGN Movie Ambassador” by Actors Guild of Nigeria.

#6. Uche Ogbodo

Uche Ogbodo is an award winning Nigerian actress and film maker born on May 17, 1986.

Uche was born and raised in Enugu state where she had her primary and secondary education.

She is the second born in a family of five children and originally a native of Enugu state.

Ogbodo is quite beautiful, creative and talented which she does not hesitate to flaunt in her movies.

Uche Ogbodo started her acting career after joining the Actors guild of Nigeria in 2006.

She is popular for her intriguing roles in movies most especially that of the movie “Mummy Why”.

She has starred in other movies such as Yankee Girls, Spirit of Twins, Royal Palace and so on.

Uche Ogbodo got married secretly to her lover, Apo Arthur on October 2, 2013 and they have a daughter together. It was also said that both have parted ways for best reason known to them.

Uche has won several awards such as Fashion Icon of the at 2015 Fashion Icon Awards, Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the City People Entertainment Awards, Most Promising Actress in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award.

#7. Destiny Etiko

Destiny Etiko is a Nigerian actress best known for her role in the hit movie, ‘Idemili.’ Destiny attained fame after receiving a nomination for ‘Best Promising Actress’ at ‘City People Entertainment Awards’ for her role in ‘Idemili.’ Thereafter, she got more acting opportunities, becoming one of the most successful Nigerian actresses of recent times. She has won a couple of awards, including the ‘Viewers’ Choice Award’ and ‘Golden Icon Movie Academy Award.’

Destiny Etiko was born on August 2, 1989, in Udi, Enugu, Nigeria. After completing her primary and secondary education in Enugu, Destiny moved to Awka, Anambra in southeastern Nigeria to complete further education. As a young girl, Destiny drew inspiration from her actress mother and decided to follow in her footsteps. In 2011, she entered the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) after registering with the ‘Actors Guild of Nigeria.’ She graduated from ‘Nnamdi Azikiwe University’ in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. She appeared in minor roles in several films before landing her breakthrough role in the movie, ‘Idemili.’

In 2019, Etiko became a brand ambassador for Kesie Virgin Hair organization.

Etiko in an interview affirmed that she had been a victim of sexual harassment against women by male movie producers who are by far the majority as pertains movie productions in Nigeria. Etiko in 2018 gifted her mum an apartment and praised her for supporting her decision to become an actress. Her father on the other hand had vehemently opposed her decision to become an actress at the initial time. In May 2020, she lost her father.

#8. Rachael Okonkwo

Nnenna Rachael Okonkwo, born 26 May 1987, Popularly Known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka is a Nigerian film actress. She is best known for the film of the same name.

Rachael Okonkwo is from Ukpata in Uzo Uwani Local government area of Enugu State , located in South East (Nigeria) .She started acting while she was a child, but due to lack of movie roles she switched career to dancing. She joined Nollywood in 2007 playing very minor roles. In 2008, she played a Supporting role to Ini Edo & Van Vicker in Royal War 2, also in 2010 alongside Patience Ozokwor and John Okafor in Open and Close 1&2. Her first major role and consequently her breakthrough movie came in 2014, where she played the lead character in Nkoli Nwa Nsukka as Nkoli.

#9. Chizzy Alichi

Chigozie Stephanie Alichi popularly known as Chizzy Alichi is a fast rising Nollywood actress and model. She was born on 23 December, 1989 in Enugu State, in the south eastern part of Nigeria. After her primary and secondary school education, she attended Enugu State University of Science and Technology where she read Agricultural Engineering and graduated in 2014.

Chizzy Alichi started her acting career in late 2010 and was not introduced by anyone into the industry. However, she simply registered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria at their office at the National Museum in Enugu and started to attend movie auditions from time to time. Few years later Chizzy Alichi gained worldwide recognition due to her unique acting skill and talent.

Chizzy Alichi rose to fame after starring in the blockbuster movie “The Drop of Blood,” the movie won her Best New Actress of the Year (English) award at the City Peoples Entertainment Awards.

In 2015 Chizzy Alichi was enrolled into the Nigerian mandatory national youth service corps (NYSC) and was posted to Umunya village in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State as her place of primary assignment (PPA).

After her national service which ended in 2016, Chizzy Alichi went back to her acting career and acted in new blockbuster movies alongside with Yul Edochie, Ken Erics, and Mercy Johnson. Chizzy Alichi gained more popularity after featuring in Flavour popular music video “Mmege” where she displayed herself as a beautiful princess.

Chizzy Alichi has acted in more 50 Nollywood movies which includes The Drop of Blood, Throne of Glory, Akaraoku, etc. she has won Best new actress of the year (English) awards at the City Peoples Entertainment Awards. Chizzy Alichi is currently single, but has a boyfriend whom she is currently in a relationship with.

#10. Regina Chukwu

Regina Chinedu Chukwu popularly known as Regina Chukwu is a Nigerian actress and movie producer born on March 23, 1980.

Regina is originally from Enugu state but born and raised in Lagos state where attended Alimosho Grammar school for her secondary education and studied Business Administration at he Lagos state Polytechnic.

She’s quite beautiful and talented having carved a niche for herself in most yoruba movies despite she’s from an Igbo tribe.

Regina started her career as a make-up artist in 2003 before delving fully into acting with features in television soaps such as “Family Ties”, Wale Adenuga’s “Super Story” and “Face to Face”.

Her first movie is Ogunsho followed by Idaro which she did excepetionally well.

Ever since Regina came to limelight, she has been a force to reckon with in the industry with intriguing roles and perfect delivery of her scripts. She has starred in numerous movies such as “Akun”, “Awolu ati Awalu”, “Ewatomi”, “Idaro”, “Ogunso” and many others.

Regina was married before she lost her husband 4 years into the marriage. She’s a single mother of two children; a son, Richard and a daughter, Chiamaka.

#11. Camilla Mberekpe

Camilla Mberekpe is a Nigerian actress and television personality reputed to play wicked roles in most movies.She was born on the 29th of April, 1960 in Enugu state in south eastern Nigeria.

Camilla had primary and secondary education in Enugu where she obtained her first and secondary school certificates respectively. She has worked in various places of interest before settling down fully for acting profession.

Camilla began his acting career when she joined the Nigerian Movie industry in the early 1990s. She has since acted a number of hit movies.

She was however shot to fame and recognition in Nollywood after featuring in a hit movie “Across the River” alongside the big celebrities like Jerry Amilo, Alasco Wariboko and the late Muna Obiekwe. The same movie earned her nomination for best actress in a supporting role at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

Camilla Mberekpe is known to take roles of wicked mother in-law, witch, cantankerous woman in most Nollywood movies.

Owing to her wicked roles in movies, there is this wide belief that she is indeed wicked woman because she plays her role brilliantly well to make it real. On the contrary, she is said to be a good and kind-hearted person.

Camilla created a shocking revelation in April 2013 when she visited Synagogue Church in Lagos for deliverance programme. The deliverance was said to have been done by the General Overseer of the Church, Prophet T.B. Joshua and she revealed that she was a witch indeed but was truly delivered that day by Prophet Joshua to the glory of God.

Camilla has in her years of acting earned several awards. They include Best actress in a supporting role at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Most promising actress at the African Movie Academy Awards.

#12. Chidinma and Chidiebere Aneke

Chidinma and Chidiebere Aneke are identical twins. They were born in Enugu state. They became popular by starring in Nollywood films since 2004. The twin sisters are popular and in high-demand in Nollywood.

Popularity came to the twins in 2004, and since then they have kept up the momentum. The sisters starred in such movies as Desperate Twins, Jealous Friends and Revenge of The Gods and many more.

The sisters’ career actually started a little earlier than in 2004. The girls appeared in their very first film in 1999. However, according to Aneke sisters’ words, they were forced to take a break from filming so they could finish studying in school and also because their mother insisted. Once they were done with school, the sisters went back to acting in 2003 and have kept their spots in Nollywood since then.

#13. Tina Mba

Tina Mba, 2 October, Enugu State is a Nigerian actress who was nominated for Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in the 7th Africa Movie Academy Awards.

In 2017, she starred in Isoken, Bariga Suger ,Okafor’s Law amongst other films, and was described as “actress of the year” by Pulse. At the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards , she was nominated for category, best actress in a comedy. In an interview with The Punch , she disclosed that the secret to her stellar interpretation of roles was from living the character and imagining herself in it.

She also stated that she would have preferred theatre to feature films, if she was paid equally for both. In 2016, she acted in Ufuoma , a romantic drama, directed by Ikechukwu Onyeka. In October 2017, she starred in Omoye , which is an advocacy film against sexual violence. In 2017, she acted in the romantic comedy , Isoken alongside, Funke Akindele and Dakore Akande .

She plays a mother, putting pressure on her daughter to get married and not be solely focused on her career. In the same year, YNaija recounts her previous roles in Tango with Me, Okafor’s Law ,Isoken, etc. while stating that her stellar performances are often not appreciated enough in the industry. It opined that the “Naija” body language she brings to her character gives more realistic expression to her roles.