“I was born into wealth… I had no idea ‘face me, I face you’ houses existed until I got married.”
Alice Iyabo Ojo’s journey through stardom, entrepreneurship, and motherhood is an evidence of determination against all odds. Her path was fraught with personal and professional challenges, yet she emerged as a source of strength and success, which others can look up to.
Alice Iyabo Ojo’s early marriage at the age of 21 marked a significant turning point in her life, introducing her to challenges she had never anticipated. Raised in a privileged environment, Iyabo was unacquainted with the struggles of financial hardship. Reflecting on her upbringing, she noted, “I was born into wealth… I had no idea ‘face me, I face you’ houses existed until I got married.” This stark contrast became evident when she married her ex-husband, Ademidun Ojo, in 1999. The marriage exposed her to a level of poverty she had never known, as she recounted, “The only time I experienced poverty was when I married my ex-husband. Initially, it was fun. It was like an adventure.” The initial excitement of this new chapter soon gave way to the harsh realities of financial instability. Accustomed to a life of comfort, Iyabo found herself grappling with the challenges of making ends meet. The financial strain was compounded by the responsibilities of motherhood, as she gave birth to her son, Festus, in 1999, and her daughter, Priscilla, in 2001. Balancing the demands of raising two young children with the pressures of an unstable marriage placed immense stress on her.
Despite her efforts to maintain the union, the marriage became increasingly untenable. Iyabo has candidly expressed her regrets about marrying at a young age, stating, “I married at a very young age, suffered and endured because I didn’t want to disappoint my father who loved me so much.” The weight of societal expectations and the desire to uphold family honor contributed to her decision to remain in the marriage longer than she might have otherwise. Ultimately, the couple separated, leaving Iyabo to navigate the challenges of single motherhood. Reflecting on this period, she admitted, “In the beginning, it was tough. There is no woman who gets married and prays for the marriage to break up. I left my babies’ father on my own.”
The transition from a married life to single parenthood was fraught with difficulties, but it also marked the beginning of her journey toward personal growth and resilience. Iyabo’s experiences during and after her marriage provided her with profound insights into the complexities of life, love, and personal development. These challenges, while arduous, played a pivotal role in shaping the woman she would become—a proof of strength, perseverance, and dedication to her children and her craft.
“I felt like a failure, a loser… I didn’t know how to fit in or even start.”
Following the dissolution of her marriage in 2001, Iyabo Ojo faced profound emotional challenges as she embarked on the journey of single motherhood. In a candid reflection, she shared, “I started my journey as a single mum with no direction. I was afraid, sometimes depressed, confused; I always had a lot of anxiety.” These feelings of fear and uncertainty were compounded by societal expectations and the stigma often associated with single parenthood. Iyabo grappled with self-doubt, expressing, “I felt like a failure, a loser; I felt I was not good enough.” The weight of these emotions was intensified by the responsibility of raising her two young children, Festus and Priscilla, on her own. She often questioned her ability to provide for them and secure their future, stating, “I didn’t know how to fit in or even start. How was I even going to pull through?” Despite these internal battles, Iyabo’s love for her children became her driving force. She focused on their well-being, noting, “I just wanted my kids to be fine; that was my ultimate goal.” This unwavering dedication to her children inspired her to persevere through the darkest times, ultimately leading to her emergence as a successful actress and entrepreneur. Reflecting on her journey, she encourages others facing similar struggles, emphasizing that “it’s never too late to start all over again… There is always light at the end of the tunnel.”
“I don’t care who the person is; if that person is my son, I am going to come for him unapologetically.”
Iyabo Ojo’s challenges extended beyond her marital struggles, encompassing deeply traumatic personal experiences. In a candid conversation with her colleague Biola Bayo on the talk show “Talk to B,” shared in January 2025, Iyabo revealed that she had been a victim of rape on five separate occasions throughout her life. She emphasized the prevalence of rape apologists in society and asserted her unshakable stance against such attitudes, stating, “I don’t care who the person is; if that person is my son, I am going to come for him unapologetically.”
One particularly harrowing incident occurred during her first marriage. Iyabo recounted how armed robbers broke into their home in Ikeja, Lagos, and she was sexually assaulted by one of the intruders. This traumatic event left deep emotional scars and highlighted the pervasive issue of sexual violence. These cumulative experiences of sexual assault profoundly impacted Iyabo’s perspective on life and justice. They fueled her advocacy against sexual violence and her zero-tolerance stance toward rape apologists. Her openness about these traumatic events has not only shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual violence but also provided solace and encouragement to other survivors, fostering a sense of solidarity and hope.
Determined to provide for her children and reclaim her sense of purpose, Iyabo Ojo ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing Fespris Limited—a conglomerate encompassing a range of businesses. This enterprise includes Fespris Abula Spot, a restaurant renowned for serving traditional Nigerian dishes like amala; a beauty salon; a spa; and an event management company. Building these businesses from the ground up was no small feat, especially in a competitive market. Yet, through perseverance and hard work, she established a thriving enterprise that not only supports her family but also provides employment opportunities for others. In addition to her ventures in hospitality and beauty, Iyabo expanded into the entertainment industry with Fespris Production. This arm of her company focuses on film production and distribution, as well as training aspiring actors and actresses, reflecting her commitment to nurturing new talent in Nollywood.
Iyabo’s entrepreneurial journey was not without challenges. She faced the daunting task of building a brand in industries saturated with competition. Financial constraints posed significant hurdles, requiring her to make personal sacrifices to fund her ventures. She once revealed that she sold some of her jewelry and landed property to raise capital, believing that the returns would surpass her initial investments. This level of risk-taking underscores her determination and belief in her vision.
Her success with Fespris Limited has not only provided financial stability for her family but has also contributed to the Nigerian economy by creating job opportunities. Iyabo’s story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with the right amount of determination, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve entrepreneurial success.
“I started my journey as a single mum with no direction. I was afraid, sometimes depressed, confused; I always had a lot of anxiety.”
Iyabo Ojo’s journey as a single mother was fraught with challenges. Reflecting on her early days of single parenthood, she confessed, “I started my journey as a single mum with no direction. I was afraid, sometimes depressed, confused; I always had a lot of anxiety.” Despite these overwhelming emotions, her primary focus remained on providing a nurturing environment for her children, Festus and Priscilla.
One of the most daunting aspects of her journey was concealing her personal struggles to shield her children from any emotional distress. In an interview, Iyabo revealed, “It was having to hide my pain. Because I just said to myself, ‘my kids, I’m gonna love the hell out of them and I’m going to raise them with so much love that I’m not even going to make them feel this mistake that I have made.'” She often masked her tears with smiles, ensuring that Festus and Priscilla experienced a childhood filled with love and security.
Her dedication bore fruit as her children achieved significant milestones. Festus graduated from Altinbas University in Istanbul, Turkey, a product of the excellence instilled by his mother. Priscilla, following in her mother’s footsteps, has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry as an actress, model, and entrepreneur.
A moment of immense pride for Iyabo was witnessing Priscilla’s union with Tanzanian singer Juma Jux. The couple celebrated their love in a civil wedding ceremony, marking a new chapter in their lives. Priscilla looked stunning in a one-shoulder white dress with pearl details, while Juma complemented her elegance in a classic black suit. This union not only signifies Priscilla’s personal happiness but also reflects the successful upbringing and values imparted by Iyabo.
Throughout her journey, Iyabo has been candid about the trials of single motherhood. She often emphasizes the importance of resilience and faith, stating, “As a single mother, it hasn’t been easy, but I give God all the glory for our success.” Her story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting that with determination, love, and faith, one can overcome life’s adversities and achieve greatness.
