Divorce, though often perceived negatively, can be a pathway to self-discovery and renewal. In the Nigerian entertainment industry, several actresses have shown remarkable resilience and strength by thriving in their careers and personal lives post-divorce. Here’s an in-depth look at ten Nigerian actresses who have not only bounced back from their marriages ending but are also living their best lives. Let’s check out this list compiled by Naijassador.
1. Tonto Dikeh
Nollywood Actress, and philanthropist, singer Tonto Dikeh went through a bitter divorce. She parted ways with Olakunle Churchill amid controversies and allegations, but she has taken all the drama in her stride. She committed herself to her career and charity as she went on to establish the Tonto Dikeh Foundation which helps women and children in need. Her Instagram page is a testament to why she remains one of the most controversial Nollywood actresses and arguably her vibrant side and philanthropic work. She regularly posts inspirational messages and provides updates on her charity work that show her to be living a life of such meaning and fulfilment.
2. Ini Edo
In 2014, one of Nollywood’s most celebrated actresses, Ini Edo, dissolved her marriage with Philip Ehiagwina. While it was a friendly departure, Ini has gone on mind her business with panache. Ini Edo has taken her foray beyond just acting to other horizons with her beauty to match her craft. She’s dabbled in entrepreneurship with her Glow Line of skincare products and has executive produced some big feature films. She is also very interested in health and fitness and one of the things she also loves aside from acting is sharing her workout routines and her tips for having a healthy lifestyle.
3. Chika Ike
Chika Ike -The beautiful actress and high-flying entrepreneur found out the hard way her marriage to Tony Eberiri was indeed a -bad sign for her years after the realization of his true nature in 2013. Since then, Chika has made herself a formidable entrepreneur. She has also written a book called Boss Up, which tells about her story and some business advice. Fanmilk signed Ike as the company’s brand ambassador in a deal that included the actor featuring in it. Chika can also boast of founding the Chika Ike Foundation which went on to support underprivileged children and women. Her social media reveals a mixture of luxury, business endeavours, and involvement in charity work; a life that seems to embody freedom and influence.
4. Fathia Williams
The popular Yoruba actress, Fathia Williams (formerly Balogun) separated from her actor husband, Saheed Balogun. But despite the collapse of her marriage, Fathia has expanded her frontier in the entertainment industry. She has not abandoned the industry for acting and has since received many awards with antecedes on the Yoruba cinema. She has also produced so many films. It shows that resilience is a superpower and that transformation is always possible. For a woman whose marriage ended so tragically, Fathia has been able to show that she still can pick up the pieces again after almost a decade.
5. Toke Makinwa
In 2015, a celebrity separation between a popular Nigerian media personality, Toke Makinwa and her ex-husband, Maje Ayida hit the news. In 2015, their union headed south after she accused him of infidelity on a grand scale, namely his longstanding affair with a woman who allegedly had his child. The sex scandal made national headlines and the demand for a high-publicized and quite painful divorce. Toke took to the pages of her memoir “On Becoming” and bore it all out. Her strength and frankness have become a beacon for others, redefining her as a powerful voice in the entertainment industry.
6. Kate Henshaw
The 52-year-old mother of one broke up with her British husband, Roderick James Nuttal sometime in 2011 after 12 years of marriage. She ranks as one of Nollywood’s most respected actresses. Although hurt, Kate emerged from the experience with increased grace and began focusing on committing to her acting career and self-improvement. Still, she continued to feature in many films and TV shows and sought praise for her work. Considering she is a fitness model, it is no surprise that Kate regularly posts snaps of herself hitting the gym, motivating her followers to keep up their good work in maintaining her figure and health.
7. Chioma Chukwuka
The charming Chioma Chukwuka is one of the actors graceful on and off the screen. She has also divorced her husband but in a quiet affair that did not offer much to the headlines. Chioma recounted how she decided to concentrate on her acting since she needed to take on more challenging roles, especially after she had been typecast a few times. In addition to her work in film, she has used her platform to speak out about the importance of healthy eating and mental health, often speaking openly to her fans on social media about her own experiences and advice.
Conclusion
These Nigerian actresses have proven that a broken marriage is not the end but the beginning of a good time. They have channelled their struggles into opportunities to grow and win, taking to fresh projects and continuing to innovate within their industries. These actresses and celebrities are inspiring and have proven that you can live your best life after divorce as long as you are resilient, determined and have a positive mindset.
Written by Sarah Aboje
