Veteran Nollywood actress and producer Mariam Olaide Adeyiga has opened up about her journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she’s faced as a woman in Nigeria’s ever-evolving film industry.
With over a decade of experience, from stage performance beginnings to producing culturally rich films, Adeyiga revealed that while the journey has been rewarding, it has also come with hurdles.
“There are challenges, no doubt. Gender bias, typecasting, the emotional labour that goes unseen, and sometimes being expected to compromise to move forward,” she said in an exclusive interview with The Nation.
Despite these struggles, Adeyiga emphasizes her commitment to staying true to her values:
“I’ve learned to stand my ground, to walk away from anything that doesn’t align with my values, and to surround myself with people who respect my work.”
She remains optimistic about the growing representation of women in leadership roles within Nollywood:
“The good news is that things are changing. More women are producing, directing, and leading. It’s powerful to be part of that shift.”
Since launching her professional acting career in 2013, Adeyiga has consistently drawn on her passion for storytelling and the ability to bring characters to life.
“Acting allows me to step into different lives and bring untold stories to light. The audience keeps me going too. When someone reaches out and says, ‘Your character helped me heal,’ or ‘You made me laugh when I needed it most,’ it reminds me how powerful this work is.”
Her dedication to telling authentic African stories, coupled with her advocacy for women in film, positions her as one of the inspiring voices shaping the future of Nollywood.