eGist Features: Omotola Jolade Ekeinde #WCW #WOMANCRUSHWEDNESDAY

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde born 7th  February 1978 is a Nigerian actress, singer, philanthropist and former model of an Ondo descent from Lagos, Nigeria. Since her Nollywood film debut in 1995, the leading actress has appeared in 300 films, selling millions of video copies. After receiving numerous high-profile awards, launching a music career, and amassing an enviable fan base, the press has revered the Screen Nation 'Best Actress' as The "African Magic". She is the first African celebrity to receive over 1 million likes on her Facebook page.

Today, beyond her show business accomplishments, she is also applauded for her remarkable humanitarian efforts. Over the years, Omotola has been a pioneer in the Nollywood film industry, successfully becoming the most watched actress in Africa. In 2013, she was honoured in Time Magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world alongside Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Kate Middleton. In early 2013, Omotola made her US television debut in VH1's scripted series, Hit the Floor. On 2 November 2013, she spoke at the 2013 edition of the WISE Summit, held in Doha, Qatar. In 2014, she was honoured by the Nigerian government as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR for her contributions to Nigerian cinema.

Omotola grew up with a family of five, her parents and two younger brothers, Tayo and Bolaji Jalade. Her mother, Oluwatoyin Jalade née Amori Oguntade, worked at J.T Chanrai Nig and her father, Oluwashola Jalade, worked with Y.M.C.A and the Lagos Country Club.[citation needed] Omotola's original career ambition was to work in Business Management and while awaiting her results from University, she began modelling to earn a living.[citation needed] Omotola attended Chrisland School Opebi (1981–1987), Oxford Children School (1987), Santos Layout, Command Secondary School Kaduna,(1988–1993),[9] she had a brief stint at Obafemi Awolowo University and finally completed her studies at Yaba College of Technology (1996–2004), where she studied Estate Management.
In 2012, Omotola launched her own reality show Omotola: The Real Me on Africa Magic Entertainment, a M-Net subsidiary broadcast on DStv.Omotola: The Real Me made Omotola the first Nigerian celebrity to star in their own reality show

Omotola married pilot, Captain Matthew Ekeinde, her husband of nineteen years, in 1996. The couple later held a white ceremony on board a Dash 7 aircraft while flying from Lagos to Benin in 2001, with close family and friends present. Omotola gave birth to her first daughter on 30 March 1997. Together, they have four children, Princess, M.J, Merairah and Michael. Omotola lost her father in 1991.