Ufuoma Ejenobor

Ufuoma Ejenobor

Ufuoma Ejenobor at a photo shoot in 2008
Born Ufuoma Stacey Ejenobor
April 23, 1981 (age 34)
Benin City, Nigeria.
Occupation Actress, Model, Presenter
Years active 2004–present
Spouse(s) Steven McDermott (m. 2010) [1]
Children 2

Ufuoma Stacey Ejenobor,[2] pronounced "oof-oh-ma, stay-see, edge-eh-no-bore"[3][4] (born 23 April 1981), is a Nollywood actress, presenter and model based in Nigeria. Best Actress nominee at the Monte Carlo Television Festival (Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo) 2010, she has featured in movies alongside Rita Dominic, Jim Iyke, Oge Okoye, Chioma Chukwuka, Zack Orji among others. She is also a former beauty queen, having represented Nigeria at the Miss Earth 2004 International beauty pageant in the Philippines.

Early life

Ufuoma Ejenobor was born in Benin City to Nigerian parents who hail from Delta State in Nigeria. She is grateful for a happy and well-broadened orientation made available to her from a very young age through TV and lots of reading. In a 2005 interview She states that she did not necessarily get all she wanted but all she needed was always made available. Growing up in a large and closely knit family, playing around the rocky plateaux of Jos and weekly visits to the then lively Jos wildlife park, childhood for her was "always fun". She moved a lot - from Benin City to Jos, where she spent the better part of her toddler years, and later to Lagos, where she has lived for the greater part of her life and still resides till date. At the age of seven, her father coined a pet name for her: ISIO (which means "star" in Urhobo). She was so named after the star actress of the TELEFEST programme put together by NTA Benin, The Pot of Life. From the age of 10, Ufuoma was constantly scolded as "Television star" by her mother, due to her love for watching TV and reading novels. Such huge love that almost every meal she was asked to prepare ended up a "burnt offering". Little did they both know it was like a prophecy on their daughter.

Personal life

Ufuoma Ejenobor got married on 23 April 2010 to Steven McDermott.[5][6][7]Ulfuoma and McDermott have two children: son Isio Jared (born October 10, 2012) and daughter Kesiena (born August 8, 2015).

Education

She went through Alama Private School Jos, Plateau state, Tunwase Nursery and primary school Ikeja, Lagos and finally Molly International Nursery and primary Ajao Estate for her nursery and primary education where she bestowed awards as a brownie, best student in mathematics, best student in French language and for her continuous and consistent 1st position.

She then attended Federal Government College Odogbolu Ogun state for her secondary education. Being a sportswoman, she earned numerous gold medals in javelin, discus, shot put and hurdles; represented the school and indeed Ogun state in sports and debate competitions. She also earned a badge as the school’s Head girl 1998/99 session.

Ufuoma later bagged a degree in French language from the University of Lagos where she was selected amongst the very few French students in the country to partake of a Federal Government scholarship holiday programme. She also has to her credit certificates and diplomas from Alliance Française and NIIT. She holds a master's degree in Public and International Affairs, also from the University of Lagos.[8]

School Year Qualification
University of Lagos 2009 Masters of Public and International Affairs[9]
University of Lagos 2005 B.A(Hons) French Language
Nigeria Institute of Management 2007 Proficiency in Management
NIIT 2004 Computer Proficiency
Alliance Française 2003 DALF
Alliance Française 2002 DELF
Alliance Française 2001 CEFP
F.G.C. Odogbolu 1999 O' Levels

Entertainment

She started a career in entertainment with modelling in 2000 as a photographic model and later moved on to the runway and pageants.

Ufuoma Ejenobor on the runway for Collectibles

Pageants

By 2002, she had participated in two mini-pageants, won the Miss Ebony beauty pageant and partaken in her first national pageant: Miss Commonwealth(Vanessa Ekeke), where she won the Miss Congeniality prize. Later the same year, she emerged 1st runner up in the queen Afrik beauty pageant (Tamilore Kuboye).

2003 saw her in the Queen of all Nations beauty pageant (Dubra Fufeyin) where she was again the 1st runner up.

In 2004 she contested in the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant where she emerged ...yet, 1st runner up. Not long after she was crowned Miss Earth Nigeria and consequently went to represent the country at the Miss Earth 2004[10]

International Beauty Pageant held in the Philippines. With winning a crown and international exposure, Ufuoma was done with pageantry.

Film

In February 2004 (just after her third undergraduate year) Ufuoma decided on a movie career. Starting off with Zeb Ejiro’s The President Must Not Die, she has continued to bag major roles in movies. Barely six months into her acting career, she decided to take a break to contest in the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant and finish up her studies being a final-year undergraduate student. By early 2005, she was ready to return to filming. In May 2005, she played her first lead role in Life and Death, her third movie after The President Must Not Die and Guy on the Line. By December 2005, she took on what she considers one of the most demanding roles to prove her love for the job when she played Chibuzor on the Edge of Paradise TV series produced by Royal Roots network. The widow role required her hair cut and lots of crying.

It has been a success story from then on. Her smooth versatility in different roles for both big and small screen well displayed. From detective to envious cousin; from possessed girl to blind girl; from loyal friend to wild one; from grieving widow to vindictive ex.

Ufuoma Ejenobor on the set of My Mum and I as "Lillian Wright"

In 2008 she took on the role of "Lillian Wright" in the TV series My Mum and I[11][12][13] a role that garnered her a nomination for a best actress award at the 2010 Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo[14] and one at The Terracotta Nigerian TV and Film Awards.[15] She was nominated as the Actor of the year 2011 at the Future Awards [16]

Recognition

Pageant
Year Pageant Status
2004 Miss Earth Nigeria Winner
2004 Miss Nigeria 1st Runner up
2003 Queen of all Nation 1st Runner up
2002 Queen Afrik 1st Runner up
2002 Miss Commonwealth Miss Congeniality
2001 Miss Ebony Winner
Ufuoma Ejenobor at the Golden Nymph Awards
Ufuoma Ejenobor and LL Cool J at the 50th Golden Nymph awards in Monaco
Ufuoma Ejenobor at the 2010 Terracotta Awards
Ufuoma Ejenobor and John McCook

Nominated alongside names like Alec Baldwin, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Jane Krakowski and January Jones.[24]

She walked the red carpet with dignitaries like his sovereignty, Prince Albert of Monaco, Hollywood Stars like Roger Moore, Simon Baker, LL Cool J, Ice-T, Taye Diggs, John McCook, Jorge Garcia, Julie Benz and Elizabeth Mitchell[25][26][27]

Other activities

Ufuoma has hosted the following events:

Filmography

Year Film Role Notes
2004 The President Must Not Die Detective- Supporting role Film Director Zeb Ejiro starring Ibinabo Fiberesima, Enebeli Elebuwa- Released 2005
2004 Life Partner Film Director Adim Williams also starring Jim Iyke, Lilian Bach
2004 Queen of My Heart Claudia Film Director Neville Ossai starring Rita Dominic, Clem Ohameze
2004 Secrets and Lies TV mini-series
2005 Life and Death *1st Lead Role. Film Director Bond Emeruwa starring Zack Orji, Emeka Ossai
2005 Guy on The Line Film Director Jaja Michael starring Rita Dominic, Jim Iyke, Chidi Mokeme
2005 Missed Love Film Director Adim Williams starring Oge Okoye, Hank Anuku, Jim Iyke
2005 Two Good Friends Floxy Film Directors Famous Otakpowen and Omoefe Kingsley starring John Okafor, Empress Njamah, Grace Amah, Uche Jombo
2005 Desperate Billionaire Film Director Jaja Michael starring Bimbo Akintola, Rita Dominic, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Ini Edo
2005 Unknown Angel Stella Film Director Ernest Obi starring Ernest Obi, Emeka Eniocha, Ebubu Nwagbo, Tony Umez, Mike Ezuruonye
2005 Height Of Indecision Film Director Ernest Obi starring Amaechi Munagor, Chinyere Wilfred
2005 Baby Guards Nonye Film Director Ifeanyi Onyeabo starring Ashley Nwosu, Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze
2005 My Experience Film Director Oyin starring Emeka Enyioha, Ini Edo, Susuan Patrick, Thelma Okodua
2006 Emotional Blackmail Film Director Ernest Obi starring Zack Orji, Tony Umez, Mike Ezuruonye, Ini Edo
2006 One Chance Film Director Emeka Nwabueze starring Oge Okoye, Emeka Nwafor, Francis Duru, Moses Armstrong
2006 Painful World Vivian Film Director Willie Ajenge starring Chioma Chukwuka, Desmond Elliot, Mercy Johnson, Moses Effret
2006 Honey Desire Vivian Film Director Stanley William starring Florence Onuma, Ngozi Orji, Mike Ezuruonye, Monalisa Chinda
2006 Edge of Paradise Chibuzor (2 Episodes) TV soap. Film Director Greg Odutayo starring Norbert Young, Caroline King, Akeem Rahaman
2006 Dangerous Friends Film Director Ernest Obi starring Steph Nora Okere, Mike Ezuruonye, Yemi Blaq, Onyeka Onwenu
2006 Nebuchadnezzar Cynthia Film Director Stanley William starring Emeka Eniocha, Moses Armstrong, John Okafor
2006 Dream come True Lagbaja's Choice Musical Video for Musician Lagbaja from the Album "Africano"
2007 Saving Sarah Sarah Film Director Lancelot Imasuen starring Jim Iyke, Desmond Elliot
2007 Devil's Workshop Nkechi Film Director Willie Ajenge starring St Obi, Stephanie Okereke
2007 Classical Fraud Cynthia Film Director Ifeanyi starring Dakore Egbuson, Alex Usifo, Florence Onuma, Clem Ohameze
2007 Mortal Man Marian Film Director Gloriana James Robert starring Mike Ezuruonye, Emeka Eniocha
2007 Sounds of Poverty Ene Film Director Suuny Okwori starring Monalisa Chinda, Susan Peters
2007 Super story ( Everything It Takes ) Joke TV series. Film Director Andy Amenechi starring John Njamah, Kalu Ikeagwu, Paul Adams, Gloria Young, Gbenga Richards
2007 Twist of Fate[29] Vivian Film Director Willie Ajenge starring Desmond Elliot, Mercy Johson, Moses Effret
2007 A Night in the Philippines Amarachi Film Director Zeb Ejiro starring Ibinabo Fiberesima, Desmond Elliot Mary Eboka
2007 Buy Me a Rose Rich Film Director Ernest Obi starring Dakore Egbuson, Ramsey Nouah, Bukky Ajayi, Arinze Okonkwo
2007 Titanic Tussle Mrs Owolabi Film Director Andy Amenechi starring Kenneth Okonkwo, Mike Ezuruonye Nkiru Sylvanus
2008 Rose of Africa Rich Film Director Ernest Obi starring Mike Ezuruonye, Dakore Egbuson, Steph Nora Okere, Moses Armstrong, Ramsey Nouah
2008 Italian Deal Lina Film Director Ernest Obi starring Yvonne Jegede, Mike Ezuruonye, Kalu Ikeagwu, Femi Branch
2008 Ice Cold Film Director Nnamdi Odunze starring Mike Okon, Alex Usifo, Femi Brainard, Vitalis Ndubisi
2008 Divine Partner Doctor Film Director Yinka starring Oge Okoye, Tony Umez bendict Johnson
2008 Final Tussle Mrs Owolabi Film Director Andy Amenechi starring Desmond Elliot, Eurcharia Anunobi, Kenneth Oknokwo, Mike Ezuruonye
2009 Empty Coffin[30] Lilian Film Director Emeka Hills starring Zack Orji, Emeka Ike
2009 Be Yourself Film Director Emeka Nwabueze starring Amechi Munagor, Moses Effret
2009 My Mum And I Lilian Wright TV series. Film Director Greg Odutayo starring Gbenga Windapo, Taiwo Atigogo. *5 Golden Nymph Nominations at the 2010 Monte Carlo Television Festival. *10 Nominations at The 2010 Terracotta TV and Film Awads
2010 Hot Island Lucy Film Director Emeka Jonathan starring Emeka Ike, Monalisa chinda[31]
2010 Wise In-Law Stella Film Director Ikechukwu Onyeka. starring Majid Michel, Charles Inojie, Ngozi Ezeonu, Hafiz Ayetoro
2010 Private Storm Lisa Film Director Lancelot Odua Imasuen starring Ramsey Nouah, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, John Dumello

References

[32]

  1. ↑ "UFUOMA EJENOBOR WEDS IN STYLE: EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS". 26 April 2010. Retrieved 1 May 2011.
  2. ↑ "Profile; Ufuoma Ejenobor". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  3. ↑ "Full name and Pronunciation". Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  4. ↑ "Ufuoma Ejenobor account". Retrieved 18 July 2010.
  5. ↑ "ufuoma Ejenobor weds in Style". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  6. ↑ "Ufuoma Ejenobor weds in style". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  7. ↑ "Ufuoma Ejenobor pregnant again, expecting second child". NollywoodSocial.net (NollywoodSocial). Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  8. ↑ "University of Lagos Alumni". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  9. ↑ "Beauty and Brains". Retrieved 2/8/2010. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  10. ↑ "Miss Earth 2004 Snapshots". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  11. ↑ "Mum and I". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  12. ↑ "Royal Roots Has Raised the Bar". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  13. ↑ "Royal Roots begins Mum and I on AIT". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  14. ↑ "2010 Nomination List". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  15. ↑ "Terracotta Awards Categories". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  16. ↑ "2011 Nominees List". Retrieved 24 January 2011.
  17. ↑ "NEA 2011 Nominees". Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  18. ↑ "The 2011 Nominations". Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  19. ↑ "Nominees for 6th Annual NEA (2011)". Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  20. ↑ "Role Model Award". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  21. ↑ "Delegate List". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  22. ↑ "Terracotta 2010 Nominees". Retrieved 18 July 2010.
  23. ↑ "Golden Nymph 2010 Nominees". Retrieved 18 July 2010.
  24. ↑ "Ufuoma Ejenobor Shines in France". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  25. ↑ "Ufuoma Ejenobor Shines Amongst the Star". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  26. ↑ "Celebrities at the 2010 closing ceremony of the Monte Carlo TV festival". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  27. ↑ "Monte Carlo TV festival closing Night". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  28. ↑ "Stars/Celebs Storm BLENT initiative". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  29. ↑ "Twist of Fate". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  30. ↑ "Blogs about Ufuoma Ejenobor". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  31. ↑ "Filmography Ufuoma Ejenobor". Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  32. ↑ "Beauty and Brains-Ufuoma Ejenobor". NigeriaFilms.com. Retrieved 19 July 2010.

External links

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