Who Was Ethel Ekpe? Age, Wiki, Biography, Husband, Kids, Family, Death, Obituary, and More

Ethel Ekpe, also known as Ethel Aderemi, was a veteran Nigerian actress who made significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry. She gained fame for her portrayal of Segi in the sitcom “Basi and Company” and showcased her talent and versatility in other notable productions such as Amaka Igwe’s “Forever” and the series “Sons of the Caliphate”. She passed away on February 7, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. She was 54 years old.

Early Life and Education

Ethel was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1970. She was the youngest of five children of her parents, who were both civil servants. She had a passion for acting from a young age and participated in school plays and drama clubs. She attended the University of Calabar, where she studied Theatre Arts and graduated in 1992.

Ethel Ekpe Wiki/Bio

Career and Achievements

Ekpe began her career in the theater, captivating audiences with her powerful performances and undeniable talent. Her dedication and commitment to her craft soon led her to the small screen, where she became a household name. She landed her breakthrough role as Segi, the sassy secretary of Basi, in the popular sitcom “Basi and Company”, which aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) from 1986 to 1990. The show, created by the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, was a satire of Nigerian society and its corruption, and Ethel’s character was one of the most loved and memorable ones.

Ethel went on to star in other TV shows and movies, such as Amaka Igwe’s “Forever”, a romantic drama that explored the challenges of marriage and infidelity; Aguila Njamah’s “Heartbeat”, a thriller that followed the lives of four friends who were involved in a robbery; Tchidi Chikere’s “Speak the Word”, a comedy that revolved around a pastor and his family; Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen’s “Traumatised”, a drama that dealt with the effects of domestic violence; and “Sons of the Caliphate”, a political drama that depicted the power struggle among the elite in northern Nigeria.

Rise To Fame

Ethel was also a pastor and a motivational speaker, who used her platform to inspire and empower people, especially women and youths. She was a devout Christian and a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). She was also involved in several humanitarian and charitable causes, such as supporting orphans, widows, and the less privileged.

Ethel was widely respected and admired by her colleagues and fans for her professionalism, humility, and generosity. She won several awards and accolades for her work, such as the Best Actress in a Comedy at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2018, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nollywood Excellence Awards (NEA) in 2020, and the Icon of the Year Award at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in 2021.

Net Worth and Income Sources

Ethel Ekpe was one of the most successful and influential actresses in Nigeria, who had a long and illustrious career in the entertainment industry. She earned a substantial income from her various roles in TV shows, movies, and theater productions, as well as from her pastoral and motivational activities.

She also had several endorsements and sponsorships from various brands and organizations. According to some sources, her estimated net worth at the time of her death was around $2 million.

Physical Stats

Controversies

Ethel was a respected and admired figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, who avoided scandals and controversies throughout her career. She was a professional and humble person, who had a good rapport with her colleagues and fans.

She was also a devout Christian and a pastor, who lived a moral and exemplary life. She did not have any known issues or conflicts with anyone in the industry or outside of it. She was a role model and an inspiration to many people, especially women and youths.

Parents and Siblings

Ekpe was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1970. She was the youngest of five children of her parents, who were both civil servants. She had two brothers and two sisters, who were also successful in their respective fields.

She had a close and loving relationship with her parents and siblings, who supported her in her career and personal life. She often visited them and spent quality time with them. She also took care of them and helped them financially and otherwise.

Personal Life, Spouse & Kids

Ethel Ekpe was married to Aderemi Aderibigbe, a businessman and a politician, who was the former commissioner of finance in Ogun State. They had three children together, two sons and a daughter. Ethel was a devoted wife and mother, who balanced her career and family life with grace and wisdom.

Death Cause

Ethel was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and underwent several treatments and surgeries. She fought bravely and remained optimistic and faithful until the end. She died on February 7, 2024, in Lagos, surrounded by her loved ones. She was buried on February 14, 2024, at the Ikoyi Cemetery, after a service of songs and a funeral service at the RCCG City of David Parish.

Legacy & Obituary

Ethel’s death was mourned by many people, including her family, friends, colleagues, fans, and the Nigerian entertainment industry. Tributes and condolences poured in from various quarters, such as the Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, who announced her death on Facebook.

He said that his family named their second daughter Ethel after her; the actor Patrick Doyle, who described her as his friend and beloved sister; the actress Joke Silva, who called her a beautiful soul and a great talent; and the singer Banky W, who said that she was an inspiration and a legend.

Ethel Ekpe left behind a legacy of excellence, grace, and love. She will be remembered for her remarkable roles, her captivating smile, and her positive impact on the lives of many people. She was a star that shone brightly and a blessing that touched many hearts. She was Ethel, the Nigerian actress who made history. May her soul rest in peace.

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