From dreams to screens: The inspiring journey of Mo Abudu

News360 Nigeria archives in this post, the life story and career achievements of Mo Abudu.

Mo Abudu, born Mosunmola Abudu is a successful Nigerian media mogul, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and film producer.

She is the founder and CEO of EbonyLife Media, a leading media company known for producing content that celebrates African culture and tells authentic African stories.

Profile summary

Name: Mosunmola Abudu

Born: September 11, 1964

State of origin: Ondo State

Education: University of Westminster

Religion: Christianity

Career: Media Proprietor, Entrepreneur

Early life

Mo Abudu was born in Hammersmith, London on September 11, 1964 to Nigerian parents from Ondo State.

She spent her early childhood in London but moved to Lagos, Nigeria, at the age of seven after the death of her father.

Education

Mo Abudu attended Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School in Akure, Nigeria, before returning to the UK to complete her studies.

She earned a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Westminster, and later received an honorary Doctorate from Babcock University, Nigeria, in recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry.

Career path

Mo Abudu’s career began in 1987 as a recruitment consultant in the UK. She returned to Nigeria in 1993, where she worked with ExxonMobil and founded Vic Lawrence & Associates Limited.

Abudu launched the talk show “Moments with Mo,” the first daily talk show on African regional television, and founded EbonyLife Television (ELTV) in 2013, which quickly gained popularity across Africa and beyond.

EbonyLife Media

EbonyLife TV features a diverse range of programming and launched its first broadcast on July 1, 2013.

Abudu expanded her media empire to include EbonyLife Films, which produced notable titles such as Fifty and The Wedding Party.

In partnership with international studios like Netflix and Sony Pictures, Abudu has been instrumental in bringing African stories to a global audience.

Film production

Mo Abudu has produced some of the highest-grossing Nigerian films, including Fifty (2015), The Wedding Party (2016), The Wedding Party 2 (2017), Chief Daddy (2018), and Your Excellency (2019).

These films contributed to the rise of Nollywood as a significant player in the global film industry.

Partnerships

Under her leadership, EbonyLife has secured partnerships with major studios like Netflix, which has led to the production of various original series and films.

Abudu’s collaborations extend to Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and BBC Studios, further establishing her influence in global media.

Recognitions

Abudu has been recognized as one of Africa’s most successful women by Forbes and has consistently ranked among the most powerful women in global television.

Her work in media and philanthropy has made her a prominent figure in changing perceptions of Africa.

Her achievements in media and entertainment have earned her several accolades and global recognition.

In 2013, Forbes Africa named her one of Africa’s “Most Successful Women.”

In 2020, she was named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 25 Women in Global Television and recognized by Variety as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Global Entertainment.”

Philanthropy

Mo Abudu is also a passionate philanthropist. She founded The Inspire Africa Foundation a non-profit organization that focuses on raising funds to empower the African youth, provide education, and improve health care.

The foundation launched The Designers Outlet for Charity and has produced the charity telethon Moments with Mo to support orphaned and vulnerable children.

Additionally, Mo Abudu actively advocates for more representation of African voices in global media. Through her platform, she is committed to mentoring young African filmmakers and content creators, helping them to refine their craft and achieve international success.

Personal life

Mo Abudu resides in Lagos and has two children. She was previously married to Tokunbo Abudu.

Despite her busy career, she has often spoken about the importance of family and balancing personal life with work.

Net worth

Mo Abudu is estimated to be worth over $5 million, a testament to her diverse business involvements in the media and entertainment industry.