Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Eniola Ajao has opened up about one of the most emotional chapters of her life—becoming pregnant at just 20 years old and the emotional turmoil that came with it. Speaking in a deeply personal and moving interview on the "Talk To B" podcast, the acclaimed actress shed light on the hidden fears, societal judgment, and mental pressure she endured as a young woman navigating early motherhood in a culture steeped in stigma.
Reflecting on her journey, Eniola revealed that her pregnancy felt like a personal earthquake—something so overwhelming that it pushed her into hiding, both emotionally and physically.
“You know, things were really different back then,” she began. “Getting pregnant at 20 felt dramatic—it’s like the whole world was closing in on me. You start to believe your life is over, that you may never get married, that you’ve disappointed your family. It’s as if the world is against you.”
She admitted that societal expectations forced her into secrecy. At the time, Eniola was a student at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), and rather than celebrate the new life growing within her, she felt compelled to conceal her pregnancy from the public, her peers, and even her parents. Only a tight circle of trusted friends and family were aware of what she was going through.
“In my culture, people want you to finish school, build a career, and tick every box before becoming a mother,” she explained. “Though I didn’t see my pregnancy as a shame, society did. I was scared of being labeled a ‘baby mama.’ I didn’t want to be judged or written off before my life had even truly begun.”
The actress referenced other public figures like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who famously married at 18, as a contrast to societal pressures in her own community. “A lot of women married young back then,” she noted. “But where I come from, expectations were different. Getting pregnant before marriage was frowned upon.”
Despite the crushing emotional weight and the fear of being stigmatized, Eniola stood her ground. She continued her education while preparing for motherhood, determined not to allow public perception to dictate the course of her life.
Now 44, Eniola Ajao is not only a respected figure in Nollywood but also a proud mother. She gave birth to her son in May 2002—an event she now reflects on with pride and strength, rather than shame.
Her powerful testimony has resonated widely with audiences, especially young women who have walked similar paths. By sharing her truth, Eniola is helping to break the silence around early motherhood, societal stigma, and the pressure to conform.
In an industry where image often overshadows authenticity, her vulnerability is a breath of fresh air—a reminder that behind the glamour are real stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and triumph.
