Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Eniola Ajao, has expressed gratitude to her fans for the overwhelming support that turned her debut cinema movie, ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds’, into a massive box office success. The film grossed over ₦250 million, exceeding her expectations and solidifying her place in the industry.
To celebrate this milestone, Eniola recently launched the ‘Give Back to Fans and Empowerment Program’ as a token of appreciation. Speaking about her motivation, she highlighted the emotional rollercoaster she experienced before the film’s release.
“I was scared at one point. I knew I had made something great, but as it was my first cinema project, I didn’t know how the audience would receive it. I prayed and told God that if the movie made ₦100 million, I would give back. Surpassing ₦250 million was beyond my imagination.”
25 Fans Empowered in First Initiative
The actress empowered 25 individuals in the program’s maiden edition, expressing hopes to make it an annual event. She believes her fans’ loyalty played a significant role in the film’s success, and she intends to continue giving back.
“The fact that people spent their hard-earned money to watch Ajakaju means the world to me. I wish I could do even more than what I’m doing.”
‘Owambe Thieves’ Set to Hit Cinemas on Good Friday
Following the triumph of Ajakaju, Eniola is gearing up for the release of her next project, ‘Owambe Thieves’, which premieres on April 18, Good Friday. While hopes are high, the filmmaker remains humble, placing the film’s outcome in God’s hands.
“I won’t speak for God. There’s nothing He cannot do. I leave everything to Him.”
Nollywood’s Evolution and Risk-Taking Spirit
Reflecting on the growth of Nollywood, Eniola acknowledged the industry’s shift towards big-budget productions and international streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. She applauded her colleagues for taking bold steps despite the challenges of the Nigerian economy.
“We are now risk-takers. Platforms have expanded, giving us opportunities to showcase our work. Even though the economy is tough, our loyal fans keep supporting us, and that’s what keeps us going.”
The Role of Criticism in ‘Ajakaju’s’ Success
Eniola also acknowledged the role critics played in her previous movie’s success, stating that both positive and negative feedback amplified the film’s visibility.
“Everyone who spoke about Ajakaju, whether positively or negatively, contributed to its success. The constant conversations kept it in the spotlight and piqued people’s curiosity.”
A Commitment to Fans
Eniola remains committed to creating quality films and maintaining a connection with her fans. While she continues working on cinema projects, she assured fans that YouTube remains a platform she cherishes for its accessibility and engagement.
“YouTube is our home, and I’m still very active there. Cinema projects may happen once or twice a year, but YouTube keeps us going.”
With ‘Owambe Thieves’ set to entertain moviegoers, Eniola Ajao’s story is a reminder of resilience, gratitude, and the power of believing in one’s craft. Fans can catch the much-anticipated film in cinemas nationwide from April 18.
