In the colourful, chaotic, and competitive world of Nigerian entertainment, Iyabo Ojo has carved out a niche not only as a celebrated Nollywood actress but also as a formidable entrepreneur.
While her name is most often associated with Yoruba and English-language cinema, her success extends well beyond the big screen into a diverse portfolio of thriving business ventures, making her a model of African female entrepreneurship.
Born Alice Iyabo Ogunro in Lagos on December 21, 1977, Iyabo Ojo began her acting journey in the late 1990s.
She soon became a household name, known for her magnetic screen presence and ability to straddle both Yoruba-language and English-language Nollywood markets. But beneath the glitz and glamour of film, Ojo was quietly nurturing a dream that went beyond entertainment.
Her early years were defined by self-reliance and a deep understanding of business fundamentals.
She opened her first supermarket at age 21 and started her own boutique in 2003, followed by a beauty salon in 2005. These ventures, though small in scale at the time, laid the groundwork for the expansive business empire she would go on to build.
By 2017, Iyabo Ojo consolidated her various initiatives under the umbrella of Fespris Limited—a dynamic, multi-sectoral brand that reflects her energy and ambitions.
Fespris is a fusion of hospitality, fashion, beauty, event management, film production, and training. The centrepiece of her hospitality arm is Fespris Abula Spot, a Lagos Island-based restaurant that specialises in amala and other indigenous dishes.
Interestingly, this venture was self-funded through the sale of personal assets, including land and gold. Rather than turning to loans, Ojo doubled down on personal risk—a testament to her resourcefulness and belief in bootstrapping. That decision paid off, as Fespris Abula Spot became one of the most recognised food destinations for both celebrities and local residents.
Her beauty and lifestyle brand, Fespris World, offers services ranging from spa treatments to skincare, makeup artistry, and event planning.
It also includes a line of enhancement products, positioning her brand squarely within the wellness and beauty tech space that is gaining momentum among African consumers.
With Fespris Lounge & Bar, she expands her hospitality offering to a more vibrant, nightlife-friendly audience, reflecting her understanding of evolving consumer preferences.
She didn’t forget her roots in Nollywood either.
Fespris Production allows Ojo to train aspiring actors while continuing to produce and distribute films. It is her way of giving back to the industry while ensuring sustainability in the talent pipeline.
In 2025, she released Labake Olododo, a major box office success that grossed over ₦200 million, confirming her relevance not just as an actress but as a producer and cultural investor.
Iyabo Ojo’s entrepreneurial strategy goes beyond building businesses; she is deeply invested in legacy. She has created brand extensions in her children’s names, including Priscy Closet, Priscy Deluxe, and Fedel Wears, effectively laying the foundation for generational wealth.
These businesses are managed with her children’s input, underscoring her commitment to financial literacy and leadership development within her own household.
Her impact also extends to philanthropy. In 2011, she launched the Pinkies Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with special needs and the less privileged. T
Through this initiative, Ojo has been able to marry commerce with compassion, proving that successful entrepreneurship is not just about profit but about purpose and people.
She is often cited as one of the few Nigerian celebrities who have successfully transitioned from the spotlight to the boardroom, and rightly so. Her Lekki mansion, acquired through a real estate endorsement deal, is more than just a symbol of wealth; it represents a smart synergy between brand equity and financial return.
Iyabo Ojo’s story is one of vision, versatility, and values. At a time when more African women are stepping into entrepreneurship, she stands as a blueprint for how to lead with confidence and strategy.
She demonstrates that it’s possible to dominate in entertainment while building a robust ecosystem of businesses that uplift others.
In a world that often underestimates women entrepreneurs—especially those in the creative industries—Ojo has proven that success is not only possible, it is sustainable.
She doesn’t just wear the crown of stardom; she’s built a kingdom around it. And in doing so, she’s not just redefining the celebrity-businesswoman archetype—she’s inspiring a new generation of African women to dream, dare, and do.
Image Credit: Vanguard News
