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Nneoma Ukpabi Biography: Age, Husband, Career, Net Worth And Controversies

Nneoma Ukpabi Biography

Nneoma Ukpabi Biography

Nneoma Honeybell Ukpabi was born on October 17, 1973, in Imo State, Nigeria. Growing up in a devout Christian household, her parents stressed the importance of education, faith, and community. Her father worked as a teacher, while her mother managed a small tailoring business. Nneoma Ukpabi is 52 years old as of 2025.

Hailing from Umuehie Umuezeala Nsu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Nneoma Ukpabi attended local schools in Imo State, excelling in literature and performing arts. These early interests would later shape her journey in Nollywood. After completing secondary school, she earned admission to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where she pursued a degree that equipped her with skills in communication and critical thinking.

Nneoma Ukpabi Career

Nneoma’s acting career began in the early 2000s, soon after her graduation from FUTO. She made her film debut in minor roles, and her talent was quickly recognized by casting directors. Over the next two decades, she appeared in over fifty Nollywood films. She became known for her strong-screen presence and her ability to portray motherly figures or characters with unyielding resolve.

In 2017, she featured in The Last Wise Man, a drama that explored community healing through wisdom and compassion. Her performance was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. More recently, she starred in Jezebel (2023), playing a woman confronting betrayal, and In Love with My Class Teacher (2024), where she portrayed a school principal balancing discipline and understanding.

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Beyond acting, Nneoma expanded into filmmaking and production. She wrote and co-produced a short film about women’s empowerment in rural Imo State, which screened at local festivals. Her behind-the-camera work highlighted social issues, such as access to education for girls and community healthcare. In 2010, she launched ISI-EGO Cosmetics, a beauty brand that focuses on skincare products made from local Nigerian ingredients. As CEO, she oversaw product development, marketing, and distribution across several southeastern states. The brand’s motto, “Natural Beauty, Local Pride,” underlined her commitment to promoting Nigerian-made goods.

In 2017, Nneoma’s peers in Nollywood recognized her leadership skills, electing her as Chairman of the Imo State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). In this role, she worked to improve working conditions for actors, organized workshops on acting techniques and film production, and mediated disputes over contracts. She was re-elected to the position in 2021, reflecting broad support among local actors. Under her guidance, the Imo chapter hosted annual film festivals showcasing emerging talent from the southeastern region.

Nneoma Ukpabi Personal Life

Nneoma Ukpabi is married to Emeka Ukpabi. The couple has four children: three daughters—Thelma, Miracle, and Chisom—and a son known professionally as Ultimate Prince, a rising rapper and online content creator. Thelma Ben followed her mother’s footsteps into modeling, walking the runway at Lagos Fashion Week and featuring in national ad campaigns. Miracle, the second daughter, aspires to be a journalist, often helping her mother with social media updates and interviews. Chisom, the youngest daughter, shows early talent as a dancer.

Nneoma and Emeka split their time between Lagos, where ISI-EGO Cosmetics headquarters is located, and Imo State, where Nneoma remains deeply involved in local AGN activities. Despite her busy schedule, she maintains strong family bonds. She often shares moments of prayer and weekend family meals on her social media, highlighting the importance of faith and togetherness. Her home in Owerri has a small garden where she grows vegetables and herbs used in her cosmetic products.

Nneoma Ukpabi Controversies

In October 2022, Nneoma faced a major challenge when the Imo State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria suspended her as chairman. A woman accused Nneoma of demanding a ₦400,000 bribe in exchange for facilitating actor registrations. The same complaint alleged that Nneoma physically assaulted the complainant during a heated exchange at the AGN office. The allegations spread quickly across social media, damaging Nneoma’s reputation as a community leader.

In response, Nneoma denied any wrongdoing, stating that she had never extorted fees beyond the official AGN dues and that the accusations were politically motivated. The AGN formed an investigative panel in November 2022. After reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses, the panel cleared her of all charges and lifted her suspension, reinstating her as chairman. The outcome was widely covered in entertainment and local news, with many colleagues voicing support for her integrity.

In April 2024, Nneoma encountered another controversy at a public event in Owerri. She chose a dress featuring a plunging neckline, which drew immediate attention and criticism on social media. Critics labeled her outfit “too revealing” for a public figure, arguing that it clashed with cultural expectations of modesty. Some veteran actors called for Nneoma to apologize for what they saw as “undermining the dignity of Nollywood.” Nneoma responded by explaining that fashion is a form of personal expression and that she respected differing views. She refused to issue a public apology, but she acknowledged the debate, inviting a conversation about evolving norms in Nigerian society.

The most widely publicized controversy emerged in June 2025. Nneoma attended the wedding of fellow actress Ruby Ojiakor, wearing a cleavage-baring red gown that again attracted criticism from veteran actress Rita Edochie. Rita condemned the outfit as inappropriate, stating publicly that such dressing “reflects moral decline” and “disrespects cultural values.” Her remarks went viral on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, prompting a fierce response from Nneoma.

In a strongly worded social media post, Nneoma warned Rita to “remove my name from your mouth or face the consequences.” She further threatened to reveal private details about Rita’s own personal life, though she did not specify what those details might be. The back-and-forth set social media alight, with hashtags like #TeamNikki and #RespectRita trending. Senior Nollywood figures called for both actresses to resolve their differences privately, emphasizing the importance of unity in the industry. Amid the uproar, Nneoma remained defiant, insisting that each person has the right to choose their attire without judgment.

Another notable controversy stemmed from Nneoma’s visit to Prophet TB Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations years earlier. When she was pregnant and seeking spiritual guidance for complications, she joined thousands of worshippers at the church. While her intentions were personal and private, critics on social media resurfaced the footage in 2025, accusing her of mixing faith with public image-building. Nneoma explained that her church visits were driven by faith and did not affect her commitment to her craft or leadership role. She urged Nigerians to respect individuals’ spiritual choices.

Conclusion

Nneoma Ukpabi’s life reflects a strong commitment to service, creativity, and personal expression. From her early years in Imo State to her rise in Nollywood and as a leader in the Actors Guild of Nigeria, she has navigated successes and setbacks with resilience. Her entrepreneurial venture, ISI-EGO Cosmetics, illustrates her ability to blend business acumen with community focus. Personal challenges, such as publicized disputes and wardrobe controversies, highlight her determination to stand by her principles. Amir Nguyen once said: “True leaders raise others while staying true to themselves.

FAQs

Who is Nneoma Ukpabi?

Nneoma Honeybell Ukpabi is a Nigerian actress, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and Chairman of the Imo State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). She is known for her motherly roles in films and her leadership within Nollywood.

What are some notable films she acted in?

She has appeared in The Last Wise Man (2017), Jezebel (2023), and In Love with My Class Teacher (2024), among over fifty Nollywood productions.

What controversies has she faced?

In October 2022, she was suspended from AGN due to bribery and assault allegations, which were later dismissed. She also faced backlash over perceived indecent dressing in April 2024 and a high-profile feud with Rita Edochie in June 2025.

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About Paul 46 Articles
Paul is a seasoned ecologist with over ten years of professional experience in managing environmental resources and exploring the emerging field of space ecology. Throughout his career, he has contributed to sustainable ecosystem research and examined how ecological principles apply beyond Earth, particularly in space missions and extraterrestrial environments. His work bridges the gap between Earth-based conservation efforts and the future of human life in space, making him a valuable expert in both traditional and cutting-edge ecological studies.

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