Year: 2026

Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has said Nigeria is in dire need of leaders who are willing to go the extra mile—even to the point of making ultimate sacrifices—for the good of the country. The actress made the remarks on Sunday during an interview on Channels Television, where she spoke on Nigeria’s political future ahead of the 2027 general elections. Omotola lamented the country’s continued struggles despite its enormous human and natural resources, describing the situation as deeply unfortunate. “It’s unfortunate that we’re still where we are now. We have everything that every other nation wants and is clamouring for,” she said. According to her, true national liberation would only be possible if leaders were courageous and selfless enough to take tough decisions, regardless of personal cost. “I wish that our leaders can be bold enough to take some decisions to liberate this country even if it means dying for Nigeria,” she stated. She emphasized that no nation is immune from chaos, noting that law, order and enforcement are what keep societies stable. “Every nation can become very bad or terrible. Even America can be the most lawless country if there were no laws or enforcement,” Omotola said. She added that effective leadership begins with strong institutions and the will to enforce laws, stressing that Nigeria needs leaders who genuinely place the country above personal interest. “So my prayer for Nigeria is that we actually get and find leaders who are selfless and ready to die for this country,” she said. The actress also criticised political rhetoric often used by aspirants, suggesting that many professed displays of patriotism are insincere. “We saw the people coming to say ‘I love Nigeria. I was poor. I did not have one shoe.’ All are lies. They don’t care,” she added.