Ini Edo
Born	Iniobong Edo Ekim (1982-04-23) 23 April 1982 (age 41) Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Nationality	Nigerian
Alma mater	University of Uyo University of Calabar National Open University of Nigeria
Occupation	Actress
Years active	2000–present
Spouse	Philip Ehiagwina (2008-2013)(divorced)
Children	1

Iniobong Edo Ekim (listen)^ⓘ (born 23 April 1982) is a Nigerian actress.^[1][2][3] Ini Edo began her film career in 2000,^[4] and has featured in more than 200 movies since her debut.^[5][6] In 2013, Ini Edo was a judge for the Miss Black Africa UK Pageant^[7] and De9jaSpirit Talent Hunt.^[8][9] In 2014, Miss Ini Edo was appointed by the United Nations as a United Nations Habitat Youth Envoy.^[10]

Early life and education

Ini Edo is an Ibibio from Akwa Ibom state located in the south-south part of Nigeria, not far from Calabar. Her mother was a school teacher, and her father a church elder. Ini Edo had a strict upbringing, the second of four children, three girls, one boy. She attended Cornelia Connely College in Uyo, Nigeria. She graduated from the University of Uyo^[11] where she got a Diploma in Theatre Arts. She also completed her bachelor's degree program at the University of Calabar where she studied English.^[4] In 2014 she got a scholarship to study law at the National Open University of Nigeria.^[12]

Career

Her acting career started in 2000 with her debut in Thick Madam.^{[citation needed]} Ini Edo was discovered by a producer at the audition she attended. Her breakthrough came in 2004 when she acted in World Apart. She has appeared in over 100 films. She earned a "Best Lead Actress" nomination at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in the movie "While you slept"^[13]

Ini Edo, however, in 2017, made it clear that only hardwork, delight and dedication can get one to the top in the Nollywood industry as there are many distractions. But she encouraged that with determination, one would get there.^[14]

In 2021, she debuted a luxury fashion and cosmetic brand called Secrets Of April, which offers High Fashion Apparel, beauty products and accessories for unique expressions, rich and famous.^[15][16]

She represents the National Democratic Institute (NDI), an NGO that works to improve the efficacy of democratic institutions, as an ambassador.^[17]

In 2023, Ini Edo produced ShantyTown, a 2023 Nigerian crime thriller released to Netflix on 20 January 2023.^[18]

Ini Edo is among the Judges at De9jaspirit Talent Hunt she has so far anchored the first, second and third seasons.^[19]

Personal life

In 2008, Ini Edo married Philip Ehiagwina an American-based business man. The marriage ended in September 2014 after six years.^[20] Ini Edo had her first child, a girl through surrogacy in the year 2021^[21]

Philanthropy

She is the founder of GEMS (Girls Empowerment Mentorship Scheme) AFRICA an NGO built to support young women in different fields providing mentorship, skills acquisition and support. Through Gems Africa she has been able to touch the lives of over 10000 African girls across a broad spectrum of industries.^[17]

Endorsement

• Ini Edo was Glo brand ambassador for ten years from 2006 to 2016.^[22]
• In 2010 she was named to be the brand ambassador of Noble Hair.^[23]
• Ini Edo is brand ambassador of Slim Tea Nigeria.^[24]
• In 2019 she was signed as an ambassador for the @MrTaxi_NG brand.^[25]

Political appointment

Ini Edo was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on culture and tourism by Udom Gabriel Emmanuel in 2016.^[26]

Awards and nominations

Filmography