Showmax Spotlights Ruth Kadiri: From growing up in Ajegunle to helping to grow Africa’s largest entertainment industry

Ruth Kadiri has been in Nollywood for over a decade and has worn many hats – actress, screenwriter, and producer. 

Born on March 24, 1988, in Benin City, Edo State, and raised between Benin City and Ajegunle, she went to Yaba College of Technology for her OND in Business Administration. However, Ruth was nowhere near satisfied with that as she had lofty dreams of leaving the slums and coming back to help. 

So, Ruth headed off to the University of Lagos, where she bagged a degree in Mass Communication before taking things a notch higher. Determined to have a well-rounded education, Ruth took writing classes for months after university until she landed her first role. In 2007, she launched herself into Nollywood, playing the role of Sandra alongside Uche Jombo, Jim Iyke, Mike Ezuronye and Nonso Diobi on ‘Boys Cot’. The Sylvester Obadigie production had four parts, placing Ruth firmly on the Nollywood radar.  

Ruth has grown tremendously since appearing in that 2007 home movie, appearing in over 100 movies including Black Men Rock, Somebody Lied, Sex and Love, Over the Edge, Unbreak, Her Match, and The Other Woman. She’s written movies such as Heart of a Fighter, Ladies Men, Sincerity, First Class, and Over the Edge; producing her own films and writing screenplays. 

In a world where there’s a constant race to the cinemas, Ruth has carved a niche for herself on made-for-TV films and is tapping into YouTube distributions. In an interview with Legit.ng, Ruth explained why she had worn so many hats in the industry. 

She said, “I’m a very restless soul, and I pretty much started as a writer. I love writing, and working behind the scenes gives me a different kind of feeling than I get by being on screen.”

While Ruth is constantly growing and evolving professionally, she’s also winning in her private life. After years of keeping her relationship a secret, she announced that she was engaged in December 2017. Then on November 6, 2018, she tied the knot with Mr Ezerika in a private ceremony and welcomed her daughter, Reign on August 26, 2020. 

Winning in every aspect of life, including awards like the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Actress of the Year and the 2018 City People Movie Award for Best Actress of the year, allows Ruth to be introspective. As part of her well-rounded life, she gives back to the community she grew up in (Ajegunle) through her Ruth Kadiri Kids Foundation.

With life locked and loaded on all fronts and a thankful heart determined to give, Ruth is someone that deserves celebration and all her flowers. She’s not slowing down, and we can’t wait to see what new levels this brilliant woman attains next.