Akwa Ibom State is an emerging hub in the entertainment industry turning up talented actors, actresses and film producers in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. In recognition of the avalanche of talents, Straightnews has decided to feature six Akwa Ibom actresses who are making Nollywood tick through their acting prowess and talented interpretation roles in the industry. The roll call:
1. Liz Benson
Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Benson was born on April 5, 1966 in Etinan Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.
The 55-year-old started acting when she was five years old.
The Nigerian actress starred in Fortunes, a television soap opera in 1993. She played the role of Mrs. Agnes Johnson in the soap, which ran for about two years on the NTA Network.
Her role in Glamour Girls, a booming home video movie that focused on the theme of prostitution, cemented her status as a film actress. In 1996, Benson suddenly quit acting.
Since she returned to Nollywood, it was believed that she is a born-again Christian and now shares the gospel on a full-time basis. She explained in an interview that she would only act in movies that she believed were in line with her faith.
Elizabeth is a Nigerian actress, television personality, and philanthropist. She has appeared in movies like Still Falling (2021), Lotanna (2017), Children of Mud (2017), Lizard Life (2017), Hilarious Hilary (2015), Dearest Mummy (2015), Dry (2014), Toko Taya (2007), Political Control (2006), Political Control 2 (2006),
Political Control 3 (2006), Bridge-Stone (2005), Bridge-Stone 2 (2005), Crazy Passion (2005), Crazy Passion 2(2005), Day of Atonement (2005), Now & Forever(2005), Now & Forever 2 (2005), Squad Twenty-Three (2005), Squad Twenty-Three 2 (2005), Women in Power (2005), Women in Power 2 (2005), Inheritance (2004), among others.
2. Eve Esin
Eve Esin was born on October 17, 1981 in Akwa Ibom State, South-South geographical area of Nigeria occupied predominantly by the minority tribes in Nigeria.
The 39-year-old finished her primary school education in Akwa Ibom where she had her First School Leaving Certificate.
After finishing her primary school education, she then proceeded to Immaculate Conception Secondary School Itak Ikono in Akwa Ibom State where she had her West African Senior School Certificate.
The Nigerian actress then proceeded to the University of Calabar in Cross River State where she graduated with a B.Sc. degree in Theatre Arts.
In 2008, she joined the Nigerian movie industry after she participated in a movie audition where she appeared successful and got a call back from the producers to feature in the film project.
She achieved her directorial debut with the movie titled ‘Spirit’ According to reputable Nigerian media house The Tribune, she has appeared in over 100 movies.
Eve Esin is a Nigerian actress who won the City People Entertainment Awards for Most Promising Actress in Nigeria in 2015. She also won the Best Actress in a drama at the AMVCA and the AMAA award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
She has appeared in movies like Blue (2019), Pains Of Life (2017), Girls Are Not Smiling (2017), Treasure (2017), The Storm (2016), Marry Who You Love (2016), Oshimiri (2015), Idemili (2014), Brothers War (2013),.
Others include Brave Mind (2012), Deep Water (2012), Hand Of Fate (2012), Sins Of The Past (2012), The Enemy I See (2012), Gallant Babes (2011), Thanks For Coming (2011), Mad Sex (2010), Royal War (2010), Indecent Desire (2005).
3. Nse Ikpe-Etim
Movie Academy Awards for her roles in RELOADED and MR AND MRS, respectively. In 2014, she won the Best Actress in a Drama award at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for playing “Nse” in JOURNEY TO SELF.
Nse had her television break at the age of 18 when she anchored a show on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She later went into the pageantry and won several crowns.
She graduated from the University of Calabar where she studied theater arts and was known for her outstanding stage performances.
Besides her successful acting career, Nse is also an inspired and talented culinary chef. She splits her time between London and Lagos.
4. Annie Macaulay–Idibia
Annie Macaulay–Idibia was born on November 13, 1984 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Originally, she hails from Idua Eket in Akwa Ibom State.
The 36-year-old obtained a degree in Computer Science and Theatre Arts after finishing undergraduate courses at Lagos State University and the University of Lagos respectively.
Annie’s Nollywood career came to the limelight after playing her role in the movies titled Pleasure and Crime and Blackberry Babes.
The Nigerian actress is married to 2face Idibia with whom she has two children. She is also the owner of a beauty salon called “BeOlive Hair Studio situated in Atlanta.
Annie Macaulay is a Nigerian, model, presenter, and actress. She was also nominated in the “Best Supporting Actress” category at 2009 Best of Nollywood Awards.
She has appeared in movies like First Family, Pleasure and Crime, White Chapel, Blackberry Babes, Return of Blackberry, Babes, Estate Runs, Unconditional, Obiageli The Sex Machine, Morning After Dark, Beautiful Moster, Open Scar, Secret Lovers, Desires of Married Women, among others.
5. Ini Edo
Ini Edo was born on April 23, 1982 in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria to her father who was a church elder, and her mother who was a teacher.
The 39-year-old attended Cornelia Connelly College in Uyo. She then graduated from the University of Uyo where she obtained a Diploma in Theatre Arts.
She then proceeded to obtain a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Calabar where she studied English. She also had a scholarship in 2014, to study law at the National Open University of Nigeria.
Her Nollywood career began in 2003 with her debut in Thick Madam. She was discovered by a producer at the audition she went to. She came into the limelight in 2004 when she appeared in the movie ‘World Apart’.
The Nigerian actress is one of the most successful actresses in Nigeria. She gained a “Best Lead Actress” nomination at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in the movie “While you slept”.
In 2016, she was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel on Culture And Tourism.
Ini Edo is a Nigerian actress. She commenced her Nollywood career in 2000 and has appeared in more than 100 movies since her debut.
She was a judge for the Miss Black Africa UK Pageant in 2013. In 2014, Miss Ini Edo was appointed by the United Nations as a United Nations Habitat Youth Envoy.
Some of her movies are Games men play, Sleek Ladies, Love games, Married to the enemy, Royal gift, Blind kingdom, Power of beauty, Political Control, Ass on fire, Chief Daddy, Citation, e.t.c.
6. Joy Nice
Joy Nice popularly known as Pelumi from Jenifa’s Diary is a Nollywood actress, television presenter, model, and producer that hails from Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
She attended Prime Montessori School where she had her primary school education and Darman Model College, Satellite Town Lagos State where she obtained her first school leaving certificate.
She then proceeded to the University of Lagos where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Her Nollywood career started in 2010 when she went for an Emem Isong audition in Lagos State, Nigeria.
(Opera News)
