Nollywood actress Ibiwari Etuk has captivated fans and colleagues alike with news of her engagement to fellow actor Praise Gladson Jedy following an elaborately planned surprise proposal. The Akwa Ibom-born talent shared footage of the emotional moment on social media, revealing how her now-fiancé orchestrated the unexpected romantic gesture.
Reflecting on the life-changing moment, Etuk detailed how the proposal unfolded under the perfect guise of everyday circumstances. I SAID YESSSSS to my colleague, best friend, King, prayer partner and my lover @iampraisejedy,” she wrote, beginning a heartfelt account that resonated with followers across her platforms.
According to the actress, Jedy crafted a believable scenario that caught her completely off-guard. “We had just finished a shoot together and my Obong(King) asked me to accompany him to go book a hotel room for his brother who came into town,” she explained. The timing was deliberate – she was tired, without makeup, and entirely unsuspecting of what awaited her.
“I casually followed with no inclination and with his casual look, I never suspected a thing,” Etuk continued, describing how she “quickly slipped my feet into the closest footwear & hurriedly followed” under the pretense of meeting his brother. The setup proved effective, with her complete surprise evident in both her written account and the accompanying video.
The proposal scene itself featured the traditional elements of romance – flowers, candles, and decorative touches creating an atmosphere that transformed what Etuk believed was a simple errand into a milestone moment. The contrast between her casual appearance and the elaborate setting added an authentic touch that resonated with viewers, with Etuk playfully noting, “WHO WEARS A FLIP FLOP TO HER PROPOSAL….. that’s how I was surprised.”
This revelation that Jedy’s supposed brother “was in on the plan” highlighted the careful coordination behind the surprise. The announcement concluded with Etuk’s reference to “ELROI” (El Roi), the biblical name meaning “the God who sees me,” suggesting the spiritual significance she attaches to this union.
Industry colleagues quickly filled the comment section with congratulatory messages. Veteran actress Patience Ozokwo blessed the union, while Chacha Eke Faani described the moment as “AMAZING” and admitted it had her “cheesing too.” Other notable well-wishers included Ufuoma McDermott and Queen Wokoma, the latter hinting at prior knowledge with her comment, “Finally I can post!!😍😂 congratulations my people.
The engagement adds another chapter to Nollywood’s history of on-set relationships that blossom into real-life partnerships. The Nigerian film industry, with its demanding shooting schedules and intimate creative environment, has witnessed numerous relationships form between colleagues who spend extensive time together during productions.
Both Etuk and Jedy have built respected careers in Nollywood, particularly gaining recognition for their work in productions focused on Nigeria’s southern regions. Etuk has established herself as a versatile actress capable of embodying diverse characters across different genres, while Jedy has developed a following for his compelling performances and screen presence.
The engagement announcement also offers a glimpse into the private lives of performers who often keep their personal relationships separate from their public personas. The decision to share such an intimate moment reflects the evolving relationship between Nollywood stars and their audiences in the social media era, where fans increasingly expect access to milestone moments in celebrities’ lives.
Cultural significance surrounds the engagement as well, with Etuk’s reference to Jedy as her “Obong” (meaning “King” in the Efik/Ibibio languages of southern Nigeria) highlighting the connection to their shared cultural heritage. This regional identity remains important to many Nollywood actors who proudly represent their specific cultural backgrounds while working in the national industry.
The timing of the announcement coincides with what many industry observers note is a particularly successful period for Nollywood, with streaming platforms expanding the global reach of Nigerian films and creating new opportunities for actors like Etuk and Jedy. Their engagement story adds a personal dimension to the professional growth occurring throughout the industry.
Wedding planning will likely now commence for the couple, though neither has yet shared details about their intended timeline or ceremony preferences. If they follow the pattern of other Nollywood unions, industry colleagues will feature prominently in the celebration, potentially turning the event into both a personal milestone and a gathering of Nigerian entertainment luminaries.
For fans of both performers, the engagement represents a heartwarming development that transcends the fictional romances they portray on screen. The authenticity of Etuk’s surprise and the thoughtfulness behind Jedy’s planning have created a narrative that resonates beyond the entertainment value of their professional work.
As congratulations continue to pour in from across Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, the engagement of Ibiwari Etuk and Praise Gladson Jedy stands as a reminder of how life occasionally mirrors art, with two performers who specialize in portraying love stories now embarking on their own real-life romance.
