Celebrated Nollywood actress Ekene Umenwa has drawn emotional responses from entertainment industry colleagues after sharing the first full glimpse of her daughter’s face in a heartwarming social media reveal. The touching moment comes months after the actress welcomed her first child in the United States amid what she described as an experience only “Jesus and Mother Mary can explain.”
The actress, who maintained privacy around her daughter’s identity since giving birth in September, chose to make the revelation through an endearing mother-daughter video on Instagram. The post captured not just her daughter’s features but also included powerful prayers and heartfelt appreciation for her support system, including her husband Kleanson.
“Indeed this is the doing of the lord,” Umenwa declared in her post, proceeding to cover her daughter, whom she refers to as Ekenem_chukwu, with spiritual protection. The actress’s profound religious connection, previously highlighted in her Virgin Mary-inspired maternity photoshoot, remained evident in her choice of words and blessings for her child.
The reveal triggered an outpouring of love from Nollywood’s finest, with industry heavyweights rushing to share their joy and prayers. Toyin Abraham expressed amazement at the child’s beauty while invoking divine protection, while Mercy Johnson affectionately referred to the newborn as “God’s own child.” Regina Daniels, Destiny Etiko, and numerous other celebrities joined in celebrating the newest addition to the Nollywood family.
This latest milestone follows a series of memorable moments in Umenwa’s journey to motherhood. Upon returning to Nigeria after giving birth, she made headlines by taking her daughter to receive prayers from Mother Mary, continuing a spiritual theme that has characterized her approach to motherhood. This devotion was particularly evident during her pregnancy when she chose to honor the Virgin Mary through her maternity photoshoot, expressing gratitude for divine support throughout her journey.
The actress’s relationship with spirituality and entertainment garnered attention during her November 2023 wedding when a video showing her leaving her husband’s side to kneel before gospel singer Moses Bliss sparked public debate. Despite facing criticism for what some viewed as inappropriate behavior for a newlywed, Umenwa maintained her gratitude to Bliss for making her wedding day special.
In her reveal post, Umenwa extended her appreciation beyond family and colleagues to include her broader support network, promising divine intervention for those who have supported her brand. She also acknowledged special contributions, such as her daughter’s gold accessories, which were a gift from her godmother, actress Stijey Agu.
The overwhelming positive response to this revelation highlights the strong sense of community within Nollywood, with actresses from various generations coming together to celebrate this new chapter in Umenwa’s life. Comments from colleagues ranged from simple expressions of joy to profound prayers for the child’s future, demonstrating the industry’s familial atmosphere.
As Umenwa embraces this new phase of public motherhood, her approach to sharing her daughter with the world reflects a careful balance between privacy and inclusion of her supporters in her joy. The actress’s decision to combine the face reveal with prayers and acknowledgments of her support system showcases the intertwining of personal, professional, and spiritual aspects that characterize her public persona.