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Ini Dima-Okojie

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Ini Dima-Okojie
Dima-Okojie in 2017
Born (1990-06-24) 24 June 1990 (age 34)
Lagos State, Nigeria
NationalityNigerian
Alma materCovenant University
Occupation(s)Actress, fashion enthusiast
Years active2014–present
Known forBlood sisters
Spouse
Abasi Ene-Obong
​
(m. 2022)​

Ini Dima-Okojie (born 24 June 1990) is a Nigerian actress from Edo State, Nigeria. She resigned from her job in investment banking to enroll at the New York Film Academy.[1] She started her career with the first television appearance on Taste of Love and she has featured on many films including the multicultural romcom, Namaste Wahala in 2021 and the Netflix Nigerian original thriller, Blood Sisters (2022 series) in 2022.[2]

Early life and education

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Dima-Okojie is from Esan North-East LGA, Edo State, Nigeria. Her father is a medical doctor and her mother is a retired banker and entrepreneur. She attended Air Force primary school in Lagos and moved to Air Force comprehensive secondary school, Ibadan. She studied at Covenant University, Nigeria, where she earned a degree in International Relations. She quit her job in investment banking to pursue a pathway into acting. This led her to earn a degree in acting from the New York Film Academy.[3][4]

Career

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2013 – 2017

Dima-Okojie resigned, from her job in the finance industry to pursue a career in entertainment.[5] Her career in Nollywood started as a production assistant on the film Before 30 and she went on to make her acting debut when she played the role of Feyisayo Pepple, in the television series Taste of Love.[6] In 2016, she played the role of Hadiza Ahmed in the film North East; her character was that of a Muslim lady who began a romantic relationship with a man from a different religious background. For her role in the film, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the 2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[7] Dima-Okojie was also nominated for Most Promising Actress at City People Movie Awards around the same time.[8] She was nominated for The Future Awards Africa in 2017.[9]

In 2016, she played the role of Hadiza in a web series by Ndani TV, Skinny Girl in Transit.[10][11] She also featured in 5ive, It's her day, and North East in the same year.

In 2017, she featured in Battleground and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel[12] She was nominated for The Future Awards prize for acting.[13] She appeared on Pulse Nigeria's list of the 7 Nollywood actresses of 2017.[14]

2018 – 2021

In 2018, she starred in two movies, Sylvia where she played the role of Gbemi Ogunlana, in a story based on a fiction of spirit lovers. Later that year, she was cast in Funke[15] where she played the role of Ms. Catherine, starring Jide Kosoko, Eniola Badmus, Segun Arinze and directed by Yemi Morafa. The story which was set in 1996 was centred on a young girl's ultimate dream to become a footballer and her struggle to surmount gender roles inherent in her community. In 2018, her outfit to Heineken Lagos fashion week was featured in British and Germany Vogue.[16]

In 2019, she was featured in a role as Laitan Gesinde on the web TV series Oga Pastor directed by Daniel Oriahi. The series was later pulled down by Ndani TV[17]

In 2020, she starred as Tami in the series, Smart Money Woman, an adaptation from a book of the same title by Arese Ugwu.[18] Also in 2020, Who's the boss, featured Dima-Okojie as Jumoke, a best friend to Liah, played by Sharon Ooja.

In 2021, she featured in the Netflix original Namaste Wahala, a multicultural romantic-comedy feature film where she played the role of Didi.[19]

2022

In 2022, she starred in the Netflix Original series Blood Sisters,[20] playing the lead role of Sarah. The series was produced by Mo Abudu's Ebonylife Studios.[21][22][23] The premiere was well attended by Nollywood stars[24]

Personal life

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Dima-Okojie is the youngest of four children, with two sisters and one brother. Her parents are both devoted Catholics; her father a retired Air Commodore in the Nigerian Air Force and a military-trained doctor. Her mother is a licensed lawyer who worked in the banking sector. Dima-Okojie is also noted to have a strong fashion sense, with Pulse Nigeria and other media outlets describing her as one of the most stylish celebrities in Nigeria.[25][5][26] Dima-Okojie has cited Majid Michel and Richard Mofe-Damijo as her favourite Nollywood actors.[27][28]

In December 2020, she opened up on her Instagram page about her struggle and journey with uterine fibroids since 2017.[29][30]

In 2021, she announced her engagement to Abasi Ene-Obong, the owner of 54Gene.[31] They tied the knot in May 2022 and welcomed a number of Nollywood actors and actresses at the wedding.[32]

Filmography

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TV shows

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Year Title Role Notes Ref
2022 Blood Sisters Sarah Duru A Netflix Original series [2]
2020 The Smart Money Woman Tami Based on a book of the same name by Arese Ugwu [33]
2019 Oga! Pastor Laitan Gesinde [34]
2018 Battleground (The final showdown) Teni Badmus Africa Magic original [35]
2017 Battleground [36]
2016 5ive [37]
2015–2017 Skinny Girl in Transit Hadiza Directors Bunmi Ajakaiye, Muhammad Atta Ahmed, Ema Edosio [38]
2015 Desperate Housewives of Africa Aired on Mnet [39]
Vanity's Last Game
2014 Taste of Love Feyisayo Pepple Nigeria's first telenovela [40][41]

Films

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Year Title Role Notes Ref
2024 Skeleton Coast Adana with Mawuli Gavour, Damilola Adegbite
2024

2023

Kill Boro[42]

A Weekend to Forget

Boma

Layo

with Gregory Ojefua, Philip Asaya.

with Daniel Etim Effiong, Stan Nze, Uche Nwaefuna, Neo Akpofure, Akin Lewis

2022 Foreigner's God Anya with Pete Edochie, Nancy Isime, Sam Dede
2021 Day Of Destiny Young Ifeoma with Olumide Oworu, Gbemi Akinlade, Denola Grey
2021 Lockdown Angela A Nigerian romantic comedy featuring Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Sola Sobowale and Tony Umez
The Wait Nkechi A Faith-based film
Namaste Wahala Didi Nollywood/Bollywood cross-cultural romantic comedy [43]
2020 Who's The Boss Jumoke A Nigerian Romantic Comedy Film featuring Sharon Ooja, Funke Akindele, Beverly Osu
DOD Young Ifeoma The first family adventure film in Nigeria
2019 Kpali Amaka Kalayor Alongside Nkem Owoh [44]
2018 Funke! Ms. Cathrine Set in 1996 – Alongside Segun Arinze and Jide Kosoko [45]
Sylvia Gbemi Ogunlana Alongside Zainab Balogun, Chris Attoh, Bolaji Ogunmola [46]
2017 The Royal Hibiscus Hotel Joyce Alongside Zainab Balogun, Kenneth Okolie, Jide Kosoko [47]
2016 The Following Day Alongside Samuel Asa'ah, Daniel Lloyd, [48]
North East Hadiza Ahmed Alongside O.C Ukeje, Carol King, Funky Mallam [49]
It's Her Day Nicole Hernandez Alongside Adunni Ade, Omobola Akinde, Shaffy Bello [50]
A Bone to Pick Alicia Starred alongside IK Ogbonna [51]
2015 Death Toll [52]
The Prenup Starred alongside Alex Ekubo
2014 Bad Hair Day Shot while in NYFA [53]

TV Host

Year Title Cast Name Notes
2014 My Big Nigerian Wedding Presenter Aired on Africa Magic in 2015[54]

Production

Year Title Role
Before 30 Production Assistant

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Result Ref
Golden Movies Awards Best Golden Actress Drama Nominated [55]
2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Actress in a Supporting Role Nominated [7][53]
City People Movie Awards Most Promising Actress Nominated [8][53]
ELOY Awards TV Actress of the Year (Battleground) Nominated [56]
The Future Awards Prize for acting Nominated [57]
2023 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards Best Actress In A Drama, Movie Or TV Series Pending [58]
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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Why I Left Investment Banking For Nollywood – Ini Dima-Okojie". TheInterview Nigeria. 22 December 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  2. ^ a b Ravindran, Manori (7 April 2022). "Netflix's First Nigerian Original Series 'Blood Sisters' Unveils Trailer". Variety. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  3. ^ "'Why I quit my banking job' – INI DIMA-OKOJIE".
  4. ^ "Acting is not easy – Ini Dima-Okojie". Punch. 7 January 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
  5. ^ a b "STYLE FOCUS: Ini Dima-Okojie — fabulously chic and downright classy". Cable. 19 June 2017. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  6. ^ Odion, Okoniofa (7 December 2017). "Ini Dima-Okojie, the pretty, dashing actress". Pulse. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  7. ^ a b admin (July 2017). "NEA 2017 full nomination list". tooxclusive.com.ng. Archived from the original on 25 December 2017. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  8. ^ a b reporter (8 September 2017). "CITY PEOPLE RELEASES NOMINATION LIST FOR 2017 MOVIE AWARDS". citypeopleonline.com. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  9. ^ BellaNaija.com (24 November 2017). "#NigeriasNewTribe: Wizkid, Ini Dima-Okojie, Simi, Davido nominated for The Future Awards Africa 2017 | See Full List". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  10. ^ Tv, Bn (30 December 2016). "Tiwa & Hadiza go head-to-head! Watch Episode 5 of "Skinny Girl in Transit"". BellaNaija. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  11. ^ "Ini Dima-Okojie: On Film, Fashion And Passion". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 21 October 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  12. ^ "Five Nigerian TV Series That Held Us Spellbound in 2019". 21 December 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  13. ^ "Adekunle Gold, Tekno, Ini Dima Okojie, others nominated for Future Awards". The Nation. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  14. ^ Izuzu, Chidumga (12 December 2017). "Top 7 Nollywood actresses of the year". Pulse. Archived from the original on 31 December 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  15. ^ "'Funke!' (2018) is an Interesting view of Nigerian life". Soccer Movie Mom. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  16. ^ "See the Best Street Style From Lagos Fashion Week Fall 2018". Vogue. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  17. ^ "Ndani pulls down OGA! Pastor". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  18. ^ "'The Smart Money Woman' Premieres on Africa Magic Today!". The NATIVE. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  19. ^ "Namaste Wahala a cross-cultural love story with Bollywood touches: actor Ruslaan Mumtaz". www.outlookindia.com/. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  20. ^ Sharma, Pooja (5 May 2022). "Blood Sisters (2022) Review: Ini Dima-Okojie in a Suspense-Heavy Thriller". Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  21. ^ "Sisters Bound By Blood- Blood Sisters: A Netflix Nigerian Thriller". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 1 May 2022. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  22. ^ "Netflix's 'Blood Sisters' becomes top 10 rated in over 30 countries". Vanguard News. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  23. ^ Ravindran, Manori (6 May 2022). "A Wedding That Goes Horribly Wrong Tells a Universal Story in Netflix's First Nigerian TV Original 'Blood Sisters'". Variety. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  24. ^ Nimi Princewill (5 May 2022). "Nollywood stars turn out for Netflix premiere of Blood Sisters". CNN. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  25. ^ "These Photos Are Proof That Ini Dima-Okojie Invented the Colour Blue". 7 July 2018.
  26. ^ "Find Out 5 Things You Didn't Know about Ini Dima-Okojie!". BellaNaija. 15 November 2017. Archived from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  27. ^ Izuzu, Chidumga (4 September 2015). "My top 5 Nollywood actors [Video]". Pulse. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  28. ^ "I'll keep working till my name is on everybody's lips". Pulse. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  29. ^ Agesin, Ooreofejesu (31 December 2020). "Ini Dima-Okojie opens up about harrowing battle with fibroids". QED.NG. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  30. ^ "I was diagnosed with fibroid in 2017- Actress Ini Dima-Okojie". Punch Newspapers. 30 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  31. ^ "Ini Dima-Okojie announces engagement to fan who sent her chocolates from London". Punch Newspapers. 17 July 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  32. ^ "Ini Dima-Okojie wedding, see all di correct fotos". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  33. ^ "Smart Money Woman: Firstbank Partners Arese Ugwu, Unveils TV Series of the Award-Winning Book". Smart Money Woman: Firstbank Partners Arese Ugwu, Unveils TV Series of the Award-Winning Book. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  34. ^ BellaNaija.com (11 June 2019). "Ini Dima-Okojie, Uzor Arukwe, Pearl Okorie & Jimmy Odukoya Star in NdaniTV's New Web Series OGA! Pastor". BellaNaija. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  35. ^ "Battle Ground Final Showdown". Linda Ikeji's Blog. 5 September 2018. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  36. ^ BellaNaija.com (25 August 2017). "#AMBattleground Stars Ini Dima-Okojie & Shaffy Bello walk us through Stunning Closets & Extravagant Style". BellaNaija. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  37. ^ "Watch trailer for series starring KC Ejelonu, Baaj Adebule, Ini Dima-Okojie". Pulse Nigeria. 21 October 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  38. ^ "Timini Egbuson joins season 3 of show". Pulse Nigeria. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  39. ^ "Behold, 8 Nollywood beauties to watch out for 2021". Vanguard News. 31 January 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  40. ^ "Ini Dima-Okojie, the pretty, dashing actress". Pulse Nigeria. 6 December 2017. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  41. ^ "First Nigerian telenovela underway". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 11 August 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  42. ^ Courage, Obayuwana (30 May 2024), Kill Boro, Ini Dima Okojie, Gregory Ojefua, Philip Asaya, Natives Filmworks, MichaelAngelo Productions, retrieved 20 June 2024
  43. ^ "Namaste Wahala film wey Nollywood/Bollywood collabo do dey totori fans". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  44. ^ "Ini Dima-Okojie says working with Nkem Owoh in 'Kpali' kept her on her toes". Pulse Nigeria. 28 December 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  45. ^ "Jide Kosoko, Segun Arinze, Eniola Badmus, Ini Dima-Okojie star in Yemi Morafa's 'Funke' | Watch the Teaser on BN". BellaNaija. 17 August 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  46. ^ "Sylvia… The 'art' of exploring 'spirit husband' in Nollywood". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 9 September 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  47. ^ "EbonyLife TV's "The Royal Hibiscus Hotel" is Coming to Netflix". BellaNaija. 22 April 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  48. ^ "The Following Day". irokotv.com. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  49. ^ nollywoodreinvented (3 November 2016). "North East". Nollywood Reinvented. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  50. ^ ""It's Her Day" is an imaginative and clever comedy movie". Pulse Nigeria. 16 September 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  51. ^ "A BONE TO PICK". Talk African Movies. 3 August 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  52. ^ "IK Ogbonna, Ini Dima Okojie team up once again in new thriller film". Pulse Nigeria. 5 August 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  53. ^ a b c "Ini Dima Okojie Biography| Profile | FabWoman". FabWoman | News, Style, Living Content For The Nigerian Woman. 24 June 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  54. ^ Weddings, BellaNaija (29 July 2014). "My Big Nigerian Wedding winners Yemisi "Sisi Yemmie" Aiyedun & Yomi Odusanya's Official Wedding Photos". BellaNaija. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  55. ^ BellaNaija.com (26 November 2020). "Ini Dima-Okojie, Bimbo Ademoye, Ramsey Nouah are Nominees for 2020 Golden Movie Awards Africa". BellaNaija. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  56. ^ Ndeche, Chidirim (2 November 2017). "Full List Of Nominees For The 2017 ELOY Awards". guardian.ng. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  57. ^ BellaNaija.com (24 November 2017). "#NigeriasNewTribe: Wizkid, Ini Dima-Okojie, Simi, Davido nominated for The Future Awards Africa 2017 | See Full List". BellaNaija. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  58. ^ "Full List: Here are all our AMVCA 9 Nominees". AMVCA - Full List: Here are all our AMVCA 9 Nominees. Retrieved 23 April 2023.[permanent dead link]
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