Discover Ola Daniels’ inspiring journey from nurse in London to Nollywood star and politician. Learn about her career comeback, family life with Prince Dan Kalu, and achievements.
Ola Daniels, whose real name is Olaedo Daniels, has emerged as one of Nollywood’s most distinguished and multi-talented personalities, successfully balancing careers as an actress, politician, gospel singer, and entrepreneur. Born on September 23 in the 1970s, this remarkable woman represents the modern African woman who excels across multiple spheres while maintaining strong family values and cultural roots.
Her accent, good command of English, talent, flawless skin colour, beauty and fair complexion stand her out as a leading Nigerian actress in Asaba and the South East part of Nigeria. What makes her particularly unique in the entertainment industry is her British-influenced accent, developed during her years studying and working as a nurse in London, which has become one of her distinctive characteristics.
Ola Daniels is originally from Ovom in Obi Ngwa, Abia State, Nigeria but married to Arochukwu man. She is Igbo by tribe and was born and raised in Aba, Abia State. Her journey from a young nurse working in London to becoming one of Nollywood’s most sought-after actresses and a prominent political figure represents a remarkable transformation that inspires many.
Her story is particularly compelling because it demonstrates the power of patience, timing, and perseverance in achieving success. Olaedo Daniels started her acting career in the year 2002, before she got married, but took a significant break from the industry to focus on family life before making a spectacular comeback in 2019 that reestablished her as a major force in Nigerian entertainment.
Currently serving as the Chairperson of Arochukwu L.G.A in Abia State, Ola Daniels exemplifies how modern African women can successfully navigate multiple high-profile careers while maintaining strong family bonds and contributing meaningfully to their communities.
Contents
- 1 Early Life & Background: Foundations of Excellence
- 2 Educational Journey: From Nigeria to London
- 3 Career Journey: From Healthcare to Entertainment Stardom
- 4 Professional Achievements: Multi-Platform Success
- 5 Personal Life: Family, Marriage and Values
- 6 Career Timeline & Major Milestones
- 7 Social Media Presence and Public Engagement
- 8 Impact on Nollywood: Representing Excellence and Versatility
- 9 Philanthropy and Community Service: Giving Back
- 10 Future Prospects: Continued Growth and Impact
- 11 Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence Across Multiple Spheres
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 12.1 1. What is Ola Daniels’ real name and background?
- 12.2 2. What is unique about Ola Daniels’ educational background?
- 12.3 3. How did Ola Daniels balance her acting career with family life?
- 12.4 4. What are Ola Daniels’ major achievements and awards?
- 12.5 5. What is Ola Daniels’ family situation?
- 12.6 6. What makes Ola Daniels stand out in Nollywood?
Early Life & Background: Foundations of Excellence
Birth and Family Origins
Kalu Daniel Olaedo aka Ola Daniels was born into a Christian family of 11, to her parents, Mr and Mrs Ehiemere. Her father’s name is Levi Ehiemere and her mother’s name is late Rev Mrs Ngozi May Levi Ehiemere née Azuka. She has other 8 siblings – brothers and sisters, growing up in a large, close-knit family that emphasized Christian values and education.
Born and raised in Aba, Abia State, young Olaedo was exposed to the commercial and cultural vibrancy of one of Nigeria’s most important economic centers. Aba’s reputation as a hub for trade, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship likely influenced her later business acumen and ability to succeed in multiple ventures.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
She is originally from Ovom in Obi Ngwa, Abia State, establishing her deep roots in Igbo culture and traditions. This cultural foundation provided her with the values of hard work, respect for family, and community service that would later characterize her approach to both entertainment and public service.
Growing up in a Christian household with her late mother being a Reverend, Ola Daniels was instilled with strong moral principles and faith that would guide her throughout her career and personal life. These religious foundations would later influence her work as a gospel singer and her approach to public service.
Early Education and Development
She had her basic education in Aba, Abia state where she obtained both her First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate. Her educational foundation in Aba provided her with early exposure to Nigeria’s commercial and cultural diversity, preparing her for the international experiences that would follow.
The strong educational foundation she received in Abia State, combined with her family’s emphasis on learning and personal development, prepared her for the academic and professional challenges she would face during her later studies and career in London.
Educational Journey: From Nigeria to London
Nigerian Educational Foundation
After completing her primary and secondary school education in Aba, Ola Daniels demonstrated the academic excellence that would enable her to pursue higher education abroad. Her educational achievements in Nigeria provided the foundation for her later success in international academic settings.
Her West African Senior School Certificate represented not just academic achievement but also preparation for the rigorous standards she would encounter in her professional nursing education in the United Kingdom.
International Education Experience
After completing her primary and secondary school education, Ola Daniels relocated to London, UK for her tertiary education where she lived, studied and worked as a Nurse for many years. This international educational experience was transformative, providing her with global perspectives and professional skills that would distinguish her throughout her career.
Her nursing education in London was comprehensive and demanding, requiring her to master both theoretical knowledge and practical skills while adapting to a different cultural and educational system. This experience developed her discipline, attention to detail, and caring nature that would later enhance her acting performances.
Professional Development and Skills
Studying in London made her speak like British. Her accent is not fake neither forced, but rather a natural result of years of education and professional work in the UK. This linguistic development would later become one of her most distinctive characteristics as an actress.
Her years working as a nurse in London provided her with invaluable life experience, professional skills, and cultural exposure that enriched her worldview and enhanced her ability to portray diverse characters with authenticity and depth.
Career Journey: From Healthcare to Entertainment Stardom
Early Acting Career (2002-2004)
Olaedo Daniels started her acting career in the year 2002, before she got married. The name of her first movie was titled Snake Kingdom, marking her entry into what would become a distinguished career in Nollywood. This early start demonstrated her natural talent and passion for performance.
After that she did Vindicated before she got married in January 2004 and her husband asked her to stop because she was too young for the industry. This early period established her potential as an actress while also highlighting the family considerations that would influence her career timing.
Her early performances showed promise and natural talent, but the decision to prioritize family responsibilities demonstrated her commitment to balancing personal and professional obligations—a characteristic that would define her entire career.
Career Hiatus and Family Focus (2004-2019)
She took a long break, had her 4 kids and came back to the movie industry in 2019, demonstrating her dedication to motherhood and family life during this crucial period. This fifteen-year hiatus required significant sacrifice but allowed her to focus entirely on raising her children and supporting her husband’s political career.
During this period, she maintained her connection to the entertainment industry while primarily focusing on her roles as wife and mother. This experience enriched her understanding of family dynamics and provided her with life experiences that would later enhance her acting performances.
Her decision to step away from acting at the height of her early career success showed remarkable prioritization of family values and long-term thinking about career development.
Spectacular Comeback (2019-Present)
Chief Imo brought her back into Nollywood in 2019 after they met in Aba. Her husband supported her this time around because he felt that she is now mature. This comeback marked the beginning of what many consider her most successful period as an actress.
After her come back, she has risen so fast to become one of the most sought after actresses in Nollywood, demonstrating that her talent had not diminished during her hiatus but had actually been enhanced by her life experiences and personal growth.
Her return to acting was characterized by more mature roles and more sophisticated performances, reflecting her personal development and the wisdom gained through years of life experience, motherhood, and marriage.
Professional Achievements: Multi-Platform Success
Acting Excellence and Recognition
Ola Daniels has acted alongside other top Nollywood actors and actresses such as Patience Ozokwor, Ngozi Ezeonu, Mercy Kenneth, Zubby Michael, Chinenye Nnebe, Sonia Uche, and other prominent figures, establishing her credibility among the industry’s elite performers.
She has won awards including Best Actress at the 2019 Best of Nollywood Awards and Best Supporting Actress at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, among others, demonstrating critical recognition of her talent and contributions to Nigerian cinema.
Her filmography includes notable works such as Who Killed the Prince (2022), When You Love June (2024), What I Got from Loving You (2021), Love & Lies (2022), The Boss Lady (2023), and Unequal (2023), showcasing her versatility across different genres and themes.
Business Ventures and Production
She owns her film production company called “Ola Daniels World Production”, where she produce her films, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and understanding of the business side of entertainment. This venture allows her creative control and business independence.
As the CEO of Ola Daniels World Productions, she has made significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry, working alongside renowned actors such as Zubby Michael and Walter Anga while developing her own creative projects and supporting other artists.
Political Leadership and Public Service
Hon. Mrs Ola Daniels is the Chairperson of Arochukwu L.G.A in Abia State, representing a significant achievement in public service and political leadership. This role allows her to contribute directly to community development and public policy implementation.
Her political career demonstrates her commitment to public service and her ability to excel in leadership roles beyond entertainment. This position requires administrative skills, policy understanding, and community engagement abilities that she has successfully developed.
Personal Life: Family, Marriage and Values
Marriage and Partnership
Hon. Mrs Ola Daniels is a beautiful Nigerian born Nollywood Actress, gospel artist and the wife of Hon. Prince Dan Kalu, a politician and the Chairman Of Arochukwu L.G.A in Abia State. Their marriage represents a partnership between two prominent public figures who support each other’s careers.
Ola Daniels has been married to Hon. Prince Daniel Kalu Orji since January 2004, marking nearly two decades of marriage that has weathered the challenges of public life, career demands, and family responsibilities.
Their union has been blessed with four children three sons and a daughter, creating a strong family foundation that supports both partners’ professional endeavors while maintaining family unity and values.
Children and Motherhood
Ola Daniels has 4 children. Olaedo Daniels is a mother Of 4 children – 1 daughter and 3 sons. Her daughter is her first child who seniors the 3 boys, establishing the family structure and birth order that characterizes their household.
The names of Ola Daniels children are, Kamsi Daniels, David Daniels, Peter Daniel and Nissi Daniels, reflecting the couple’s careful consideration in naming their children with names that carry cultural and personal significance.
She often shares her joy as a mother publicly, celebrating her children’s achievements. In 2024, she marked her son David’s 18th birthday and her daughter Kamsi’s 19th, showcasing her strong family bond and love for her children as they reach important life milestones.
Faith and Values
As a gospel singer and a woman of faith, Ola Daniels incorporates her Christian beliefs into all aspects of her life and career. Her faith provides guidance for her decisions and influences her approach to both entertainment and public service.
Her involvement in gospel music represents not just another talent but a genuine expression of her faith and desire to inspire others through spiritual content and uplifting messages.
Career Timeline & Major Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Born in Abia State | Beginning of life journey |
| 1990s | Completed education in Nigeria | Academic foundation |
| 1990s-2000s | Studied and worked as nurse in London | International experience and professional development |
| 2002 | Started acting career with “Snake Kingdom” | Nollywood debut |
| 2003 | Appeared in “Vindicated” | Early career development |
| 2004 | Marriage to Prince Dan Kalu (January) | Personal milestone and career pause |
| 2004-2019 | Career hiatus for family focus | Motherhood and family prioritization |
| 2019 | Comeback to Nollywood | Career resurrection |
| 2019 | Won Best Actress at Best of Nollywood Awards | Critical recognition |
| 2020 | Won Best Supporting Actress at AMVCA | Continued acclaim |
| 2020s | Appointed Chairperson of Arochukwu LGA | Political leadership |
| 2024 | Recent films and continued success | Established star status |
Key Takeaways from Ola Daniels’ Career Journey
Multi-Career Excellence
Ola Daniels’ success across entertainment, politics, business, and gospel music demonstrates the possibility of excelling in multiple fields while maintaining authenticity and effectiveness in each area.
Strategic Career Timing
Her decision to pause her acting career for family responsibilities and then return when the time was right shows strategic thinking and the importance of life balance in building sustainable success.
International Experience Advantage
Her education and work experience in London provided her with skills, perspectives, and qualities that distinguish her in the Nigerian entertainment industry and contribute to her unique appeal.
Family-Career Integration
Her ability to maintain a strong marriage and raise four children while pursuing demanding careers in entertainment and politics demonstrates effective life management and priority setting.
Digital Platform Success
Ola Daniel whose real name is Olaedo Daniels is a Nigerian internet personality, a TikToker, with over 151k followers and 427k likes on her TikTok account @oladaniels_1 as at May 2023, demonstrating her successful adaptation to modern social media platforms.
She is one of the most beautiful Nigerian women on TikTok and in Nollywood, reflecting her appeal across both traditional and digital media platforms and her ability to engage with younger audiences through contemporary channels.
Public Speaking and Advocacy
Her roles as a politician and public figure require her to engage in public speaking, policy advocacy, and community engagement, skills she has developed through her diverse career experiences.
Her platform as a prominent actress and politician allows her to advocate for issues important to her, including women’s empowerment, family values, and community development initiatives.
Recent Public Attention
She has been in the spotlight recently for several reasons: Social Media Drama: She revealed that fellow actor Yul Edochie unfollowed and blocked her after she posted a birthday message to his estranged wife, May Edochie, showing her willingness to take principled stands on personal matters.
This incident demonstrates her loyalty to friends and her willingness to maintain relationships despite potential professional consequences, reflecting her character and values.
Impact on Nollywood: Representing Excellence and Versatility
Acting Style and Contribution
Ola Daniels is recognized for her distinct British-influenced accent, shaped by her years in London, and her emotionally rich acting. Her unique vocal qualities and authentic performances have contributed to the diversity of voices and styles in Nollywood.
Her ability to bring characters to life with authenticity and emotional depth has earned her a strong reputation in the industry, particularly for roles that require sophistication, emotional complexity, and cultural authenticity.
Industry Leadership and Mentorship
Her success story provides inspiration for other actresses and entertainers, demonstrating how to build sustainable careers while maintaining personal values and family commitments.
Through her production company and industry relationships, she contributes to the development of other talents and the overall growth of the Nigerian film industry.
Representation and Cultural Impact
Her journey from nursing in London to Nollywood stardom represents the global nature of modern Nigerian talent and the diverse backgrounds that enrich the entertainment industry.
Her success helps break stereotypes about career paths and demonstrates the value of diverse life experiences in creating authentic and compelling entertainment content.
Philanthropy and Community Service: Giving Back
Healthcare Advocacy
She is involved in healthcare awareness, and children’s charities, and works with organizations such as the Red Cross and the Nigerian Cancer Society, leveraging her medical background and public platform for community benefit.
Her nursing background provides her with credibility and expertise in healthcare advocacy, making her a valuable voice for health-related causes and medical awareness campaigns.
Political Service and Community Development
Her role as Chairperson of Arochukwu Local Government Area represents direct service to her community, where she can implement policies and programs that benefit local residents and contribute to regional development.
This position allows her to address local issues, promote development projects, and serve as a bridge between community needs and government resources.
Women’s Empowerment and Inspiration
Her success story serves as inspiration for women seeking to balance multiple careers and family responsibilities, showing that it’s possible to achieve excellence in different fields while maintaining personal values.
Through her various platforms, she advocates for women’s empowerment, education, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams regardless of timing or circumstances.
Future Prospects: Continued Growth and Impact
Entertainment Career Development
With her established reputation and production company, Ola Daniels is positioned to continue expanding her influence in Nollywood while developing new projects that reflect her artistic vision and business acumen.
Her experience, industry relationships, and proven track record provide foundations for potential expansion into directing, mentoring, or other aspects of entertainment production and development.
Political Career Potential
Her current success as a local government chairperson could serve as a stepping stone to higher political offices or expanded public service roles where she could make broader impact on policy and governance.
Her combination of professional experience, public recognition, and community service makes her a strong candidate for future political advancement should she choose to pursue it.
Business and Entrepreneurial Expansion
Her success with Ola Daniels World Productions and her diverse skill set position her for potential expansion into other business ventures or entertainment-related enterprises.
Her brand recognition, professional networks, and proven business abilities create opportunities for partnerships, endorsements, and new venture development.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence Across Multiple Spheres
Ola Daniels’ remarkable journey from a young nursing student in London to becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected actresses, politicians, and entrepreneurs represents a compelling narrative of determination, strategic thinking, and multi-dimensional success. Her story demonstrates how personal values, family commitments, and professional ambitions can be successfully integrated to create a fulfilling and impactful life.
Her unique combination of international education, healthcare experience, entertainment talent, and political leadership has created a distinctive profile that sets her apart in Nigeria’s competitive public sphere. The British-influenced accent she developed during her years in London, combined with her authentic Igbo cultural roots, creates a compelling persona that resonates with diverse audiences.
The strategic decision to pause her acting career for fifteen years to focus on family before making a triumphant return demonstrates remarkable patience and long-term thinking. This approach allowed her to return to the industry with greater maturity, life experience, and emotional depth that enhanced her performances and industry standing.
Her success as the Chairperson of Arochukwu Local Government Area while maintaining an active entertainment career shows her exceptional ability to manage multiple demanding responsibilities while maintaining excellence in each area. This balance represents a model for modern African women seeking to make impact across different sectors.
Looking toward the future, Ola Daniels is positioned to continue expanding her influence across entertainment, politics, and business while maintaining her commitments to family and community service. Her diverse experiences and proven abilities provide a strong foundation for continued growth and impact in multiple spheres.
Her legacy will likely include not just her entertainment achievements but also her demonstration of how modern African women can successfully navigate multiple careers while maintaining family values and contributing meaningfully to community development. Her story serves as inspiration for future generations of women seeking to make comprehensive impact across different aspects of society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Ola Daniels’ real name and background?
Full Name and Identity
Ola Daniels whose real name is Olaedo Daniels (born 23 September 1970s) is a Nigerian Nollywood Actress, Gospel Singer, Politician, Brand Influencer and the Chairperson of Arochukwu L.G.A in Abia State.
Family Background
Kalu Daniel Olaedo aka Ola Daniels was born into a Christian family of 11, to her parents, Mr and Mrs Ehiemere. Her father’s name is Levi Ehiemere and her mother’s name is late Rev Mrs Ngozi May Levi Ehiemere née Azuka.
State of Origin
Ola Daniels is originally from Ovom in Obi Ngwa, Abia State, Nigeria but married to Arochukwu man. She is Igbo by tribe and was born and raised in Aba, Abia State.
2. What is unique about Ola Daniels’ educational background?
International Education
After completing her primary and secondary school education, Ola Daniels relocated to London, UK for her tertiary education where she lived, studied and worked as a Nurse for many years.
Professional Training
She had her basic education in Aba, Abia state where she obtained both her First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate, before pursuing nursing education in London.
Linguistic Development
Studying in London made her speak like British. Her accent is not fake neither forced, but a natural result of years of education and professional work in the UK, which became one of her distinctive characteristics.
3. How did Ola Daniels balance her acting career with family life?
Early Career Start
Olaedo Daniels started her acting career in the year 2002, before she got married. The name of her first movie was titled Snake Kingdom, followed by Vindicated before her marriage in January 2004.
Career Hiatus Decision
Her husband asked her to stop because she was too young for the industry. She took a long break, had her 4 kids and came back to the movie industry in 2019, prioritizing family responsibilities for fifteen years.
Successful Comeback
Chief Imo brought her back into Nollywood in 2019 after they met in Aba. Her husband supported her this time around because he felt that she is now mature, leading to her spectacular return to prominence.
4. What are Ola Daniels’ major achievements and awards?
Acting Recognition
She has won awards including Best Actress at the 2019 Best of Nollywood Awards and Best Supporting Actress at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, among others.
Business Success
She owns her film production company called “Ola Daniels World Production”, where she produce her films, demonstrating entrepreneurial success alongside her acting career.
Political Achievement
Hon. Mrs Ola Daniels is the Chairperson of Arochukwu L.G.A in Abia State, representing significant achievement in public service and political leadership.
5. What is Ola Daniels’ family situation?
Marriage
Ola Daniels has been married to Hon. Prince Daniel Kalu Orji since January 2004, marking nearly two decades of marriage between two prominent public figures.
Children
The names of Ola Daniels children are, Kamsi Daniels, David Daniels, Peter Daniel and Nissi Daniels. Olaedo Daniels is a mother Of 4 children – 1 daughter and 3 sons.
Family Milestones
In 2024, she marked her son David’s 18th birthday and her daughter Kamsi’s 19th, showcasing her strong family bond and love as her children reach important life milestones.
6. What makes Ola Daniels stand out in Nollywood?
Distinctive Qualities
Her accent, good command of English, talent, flawless skin colour, beauty and fair complexion stand her out as a leading Nigerian actress in Asaba and the South East part of Nigeria.
Industry Relationships
Ola Daniels has acted alongside other top Nollywood actors and actresses such as Patience Ozokwor, Ngozi Ezeonu, Mercy Kenneth, Zubby Michael, Chinenye Nnebe, Sonia Uche, establishing her credibility among elite performers.
Multi-Dimensional Career
Her combination of acting excellence, political leadership, business ownership, and gospel music creates a unique profile that distinguishes her from other entertainers in the industry.