Uju Okoli and the life experiences that define her path in entertainment

Uju Okoli and the life experiences that define her path in entertainment

Uju Okoli has grown into one of Nollywood’s recognisable faces, thanks to her talent and natural charm on screen. Her path in entertainment is shaped by personal experiences that pushed her to grow and stay committed to her craft. These moments helped define the actress she is today.

Nollywood actress Uju Okoli
Nollywood actress Uju Okoli. Photo: @officialujuokoli (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Okoli’s upbringing and early exposure to the arts played a big role in shaping her love for acting.
  • Family support has played an important role in shaping Uju Okoli’s confidence and love for entertainment.
  • Uju Okoli’s parents, especially her father, who is a respected filmmaker, strongly influenced her early interest in acting.
  • Personal challenges and real-life experiences influenced the authenticity she brings to her roles.

Profile summary

Full name

Uju Okoli

Gender

Female

Date of birth

26 April 1983

Age

42 years old (as of February 2025)

Place of birth

Ideato Imo State, Nigeria

Current residence

Ideato, Imo State, Nigeria

Nationality

Nigerian

Ethnicity

Black

Sexuality

Straight

Height in feet

5'8"

Height in centimetres

173

Father

Obi Okoli

Mother

Ajie Okoli

Siblings

6

Relationship status

Married

Husband

Steven

Profession

Actress, producer

Social media

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

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Uju Okoli's biography

The Nigerian actress was born in Akokwa, Ideato North LGA, in Imo state, Nigeria. Uju Okoli's father is a veteran movie director and an actor known as Obi Okoli, and her mother is Ajie Okoli, who is a devout Catholic.

Uju was raised alongside her six siblings, among whom is her elder brother, an actor known as Tony White. She also has an older sister named Adoabi.

Who are Uju Okoli's family members?

Uju comes from a supportive family that shaped her journey in Nollywood. Her mother encouraged her talents and instilled strong values, while she has siblings, including her brother Tony White Okoli, also in entertainment. Her upbringing provided the support and inspiration that guided her path in acting.

Five facts about Uju Okoli
Five facts about Uju Okoli. Photo: @officialujuokoli (modified by author)
Source: Original

Which state is UJU Okoli from?

Uju Okoli is from Imo State, Nigeria, specifically from Ideato North (sometimes referenced as Ideato LGA / Akokwa, Ideato North).

How old is Uju Okoli?

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Uju Okoli's age is 42 years old as of 2025. The Nigerian actress was born on 26 April 1983.

Educational background

After completing her primary and secondary education, she enrolled at Imo State University, where she received a degree in Mass Communication.

Career

Uju is one of the most sought-after actresses in Nigeria. Her career began at a tender age because of her father's involvement in the Nollywood industry.

However, her big screen debut was in 2005 when she featured in the movie No More War, which her father directed. Since then, she has appeared in several films and television shows, earning various accolades.

Since her debut, she has received several award nominations, including the Nollywood Honours Awards, for her excellent participation in the growth of the Nollywood movie industry. In addition, she was nominated for Most Promising Actress in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.

Uju Okoli's movies

She primarily appears in Igbo and English films and has appeared in dozens of films over the years. According to her IMDb profile, here are some of her movies and TV shows:

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Year

Movie

2022

Ex & Exes

as Dara

2021

My Coffee

as Sandra

2018

My One and Only Wife

as Uloma

2018

Throne of Terror

2018

A fight to live 1-3

2017

Perfect

as Kayla

2016

Echoes of Love

as Adaeze

Is Uju Okoli married?

Yes, the Nigerian actress is married. She has managed to keep her love life away from the limelight by not disclosing much about her husband.

Who is Uju Okoli's husband?

Uju Okoli’s marital and family life remains largely private, and there is no verified information about her husband or children. Some online sources claim she is married to a businessman named Steven and has a son, but these reports are unconfirmed, and images circulating as “wedding pictures” are likely from movie sets.

As a result, there is currently no authentic picture showing Uju Okoli with her husband and child. Her discretion highlights her focus on keeping her personal life separate from her career in Nollywood.

Who is Uju Okoli's son?

The Nollywood star has never disclosed any information concerning her son or children. She is a private person and prefers to keep her matters away from the public eye.

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Dating rumours

Okoli was rumoured to be dating fellow Nollywood actor Frederick Leonard after a photo of them together circulated online. In 2023, Uju Okoli publicly responded to backlash about a photo she posted with another actor, Frederick Leonard. She described them as close colleagues:

“TOM ND JERRY … started a new one on a good note … using this medium to say a big THANK YOU for being a good friend and adviser.”

Which Nigerian actress is married to a billionaire?

One widely cited example of a Nigerian actress married to a billionaire is Regina Daniels. She is married to Ned Nwoko, a billionaire businessman and politician.

Where is Uju Okoli now?

More recently, in 2025, she attended a film festival event abroad, where she was spotted arriving in Greece for a Nollywood festival event, and shared about it publicly, indicating her ongoing engagement with the film community and global Nollywood presence.

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Trivia

  • She is a popular Nollywood actress known for her versatility and natural screen presence.
  • She hails from Ideato North, Imo State, Nigeria.
  • She comes from a supportive family with at least one sibling, Tony White Okoli, who is also in the entertainment industry.
  • Her parents encouraged her talent from a young age, shaping her passion for acting.
  • Uju Okoli has appeared in numerous Nollywood films, often praised for bringing authenticity to her roles.
  • She keeps her personal life private, including details about marriage and children.
  • She is considered a role model for aspiring actors, showing how dedication and discipline can lead to success in the industry.

Uju Okoli’s journey shows how life experiences can shape a meaningful career in entertainment. She continues to evolve, taking on roles that reflect her passion and hard work. Her story inspires others to follow their own path with confidence.

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Authors:
Peris Wamangu avatar

Peris Wamangu (Lifestyle writer) Peris Wamangu is a reporter who also has experience working as a content writer for three years. She joined Legit 's team in 2021. Peris graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi in 2019. She enjoys writing about various topics such as fashion, currency, biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Peris finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: wamanguperis@gmail.com

Kevin Omuya avatar

Kevin Omuya (Lifestyle writer) Kevin Omuya is a professional content writer with over three years of experience. At Legit.ng, he has contributed to extensive research on various topics such as celebrity news, fashion, and biographies. He has also worked as an editor and content creator at SportsCulture and CottageMed. In 2019, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University. You can reach him through his email: komuya89@gmail.com