Ini Edo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ini Edo
Born	Iniobong Edo Ekim (1982-04-23) 23 April 1982 (age 43) Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Alma mater	University of Uyo University of Calabar National Open University of Nigeria
Occupation	Actress
Years active	2000–present
Spouse(s)	Philip Ehiagwina ​ ​ (m. 2008; div. 2013)​
Children	1

Iniobong Edo Ekim (born April 23, 1982), known as Ini Edo, is a famous Nigerian actress. She is a big star in Nollywood, which is the name for Nigeria's film industry. Ini Edo started her acting career in the year 2000 and has been in more than 200 movies since then!

Besides acting, she has also been a judge for talent shows like the Miss Black Africa UK Pageant. In 2014, the United Nations chose her to be a Youth Envoy for their Human Settlements Programme, helping to improve life in cities.

Early Life and Schooling

Ini Edo is from the Ibibio ethnic group in Akwa Ibom state, which is in the southern part of Nigeria. She had a strict but loving childhood. Her mother was a teacher and her father was a church elder. She is the second of four children, with two sisters and one brother.

For her education, she went to Cornelia Connely College in Uyo. She later earned a Diploma in Theatre Arts from the University of Uyo. She also studied English at the University of Calabar. In 2014, she received a scholarship to study law at the National Open University of Nigeria.

A Star in Nollywood

Ini Edo's acting journey began in 2000. A producer noticed her talent at an audition, and she got her first role in the movie Thick Madam. Her big break came in 2004 with the film World Apart, which made her very famous. Since then, she has appeared in over 100 films. For her role in the movie "While You Slept," she was nominated for "Best Lead Actress" at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Ini Edo has said that success in Nollywood comes from hard work and dedication. She encourages young actors to stay focused and determined to reach their goals.

In 2021, she launched her own luxury fashion and beauty brand called Secrets Of April. The brand sells stylish clothing, makeup, and accessories.

She is also an ambassador for the National Democratic Institute (NDI), an organization that helps make governments work better for people.

In 2023, Ini Edo produced a crime thriller series called Shanty Town, which was released on Netflix. She also stars in the show. You can also see her as a judge on the De9jaspirit Talent Hunt show.

In 2025, Ini Edo joined the cast of the popular Netflix reality series Young, Famous & African for its third season.

Personal Life

In 2008, Ini Edo married Philip Ehiagwina, a businessman living in the United States. They were married for six years and their marriage ended in 2014.

In 2021, Ini Edo welcomed her first child, a daughter.

Helping Others

Ini Edo is passionate about helping young women. She started an organization called GEMS (Girls Empowerment Mentorship Scheme) AFRICA. This group helps young women by providing them with mentors, teaching them new skills, and giving them support to succeed in their careers. GEMS AFRICA has helped thousands of girls across the continent.

Brand Endorsements

Because of her fame, many companies have asked Ini Edo to be their brand ambassador. This means she helps promote their products.

• She was a brand ambassador for the phone company Glo for ten years (2006-2016).
• In 2010, she became the brand ambassador for Noble Hair.
• She is also the brand ambassador for Slim Tea Nigeria.
• In 2019, she began representing the transportation brand @MrTaxi_NG.
• In 2023, she was signed as an ambassador for the Capital Luxury brand.

Government Role

In 2016, Ini Edo was given a special job in her home state. The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, appointed her as his Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism. In this role, she helped promote the art, culture, and travel opportunities in the state.

Awards and Nominations

Selected Filmography

Ini Edo has starred in hundreds of movies. Here are some of her notable films.

See also

In Spanish: Ini Edo para niños

• List of Nigerian actresses