Thirty years in Nollywood and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde chose Sunday March 1, 2026 to mark the moment in a way nobody will forget quickly.
The actress and first-time filmmaker hosted a premiere for her debut directorial project, A Mother’s Love, at the Alliance Francaise in Ikoyi, Lagos, and the calibre of guests alone told the story of just how far her influence stretches.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was among the most talked-about attendees of the evening, alongside billionaire Jowi Zaza, actresses Sola Sobowale and Ruth Kadiri, former Senator Dino Melaye, and media personality Denrele Edun. Omotola’s husband Captain Ekeinde was also present. Fellow Nollywood stars Rita Dominic and Toke Makinwa were also spotted at the event.
Omotola’s second daughter Meraiah, who had not been in the country, secretly flew back to Nigeria to surprise her mother at the premiere, delivering what became the most emotional moment of the evening.
For a film built around themes of motherhood, sacrifice and family, it was quite an emotional sight.
Taking to Instagram after the event, a visibly moved Omotola wrote: “What a Night. GOD DID. Coming right back to express how I feel, but first, thank you all.”
The film itself carries significant weight beyond the premiere night glamour. A Mother’s Love follows Adebisi, played by Noray Nehita, a young woman raised inside a wealthy, tightly controlled household whose NYSC year takes her away from home for the first time. Away from everything familiar, she discovers independence and an unexpected connection with Obaro, played by Olumide Oworu, whose life in the vibrant Makoko waterfront community stands in sharp contrast to the world she grew up in. Their relationship quickly brings her into conflict with her father’s rigid expectations and long-buried family secrets.
The film is Omotola’s first as a producer and director. A project she also edited the script for marking a significant personal transition after three decades of working exclusively in front of the camera. “Thirty years in the industry and this is my first movie and it’s a gift to families,” she said.
A Mother’s Love has already toured major international film festivals including the Toronto International Film Festival, the Silicon Valley Africa Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival and the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles
The film opens in cinemas nationwide on March 6, 2026, with a global theatrical tour to follow, timed to coincide with Mother’s Day.
