Tell us about you? Background Well, my name is Jumoke Olamide Ajoke Odetola also known as Binta Ofege. I was born October 16 in the late 80s (laughs). I was born into the homes of Apostolic Parents and the last child in the family. I hailed from Abeokuta, Ogun State. Attended Abati Nursery and Primary School, then Abeokuta Grammar School, Abeokuta. I am a graduate of Information and Communication Technology from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. A first class student (laughs), though narrowly escaped it on my certificate in my final year with a GP of 4.3. Many of ACU mates are yet to recover from why I chose acting because they knew me as a very quiet student in school. I continued with my Master’s program with Computer Science at University of Agriculture, Abeokuta but I differed the program for the sake of acting (laughs), will have to finish that soon though, because my father wanted all his children to have a minimum of Master’s Degree. Soon I’ll be going back and it’s going to be my choice.
Do you think you really understood what you were in for when you decided you wanted to become and actress?
Give reason(s) to back up your answers Well, I knew what I wanted but I didn’t have the full cognisance of the drills actors go through on set. The easiest part of a movie is sitting before the screen, watching it. Writing, planning, acting and editing them is a different ball game. Acting is not all about glitz and glamour on set. It is also a vigorous, rigorous drill. You are like a soldier, you could be asked to perform any task which can be risky, dangerous or irritating. For instance, naturally I am someone who is easily irritated by dirt but on the set of Binta Ofege, the script says that I would be dropped in a junkyard and the location manager found a real junkyard and the director insisted I would be dropped on this ground. I cried to my co-producer and boss Abiodun Jimoh whispering if we could find a different location, he only smiled and said ‘life of an actor you’ve got to do it girl’. Then I did it. You don’t want me to give you graphics, but when you see the movie you’ll understand. But of course, that is the profession and I was happy I got challenged and I conquered it.
lWhat was the first movie you ever feature in?
lWhat was the first movie you ever feature in?
The movie Heroes and Zeros which was directed by Niji Akanni. I played the role of a prying journalist. After Heroes and Zeros, I went for my NYSC in Abia State. I came back in 2013 and I resumed acting. Since then, I have not stopped.
Which movie would you say brought you into limelight? The movie Victims produced by Mercy Aigbe-Gentry directed by Lancelot Imasuen and written by Abiodun Jimoh. I played the role of Ibilola, a desperate housemaid. Everyone who watched the movie at the Cinema or on Ibaka online had so many things to say about me. The script inspired me, the director did a fantastic job on me and of course my dearest Nollywood sister Mercy Aigbe did a wonderful job encouraging me all through the production. Before Victims, there was a series Ewuji and Olode (Bushmeat and the Hunter), my role as beautiful lady who married a rich, dying illiterate because I planned to inherit his wealth also got me a lot of recognitions. Wherever I went, people screamed ‘Iyawo Baba Legba (Baba Legba’s wife). What character was the toughest for you to change into? On the set of AMAKA IGWE’s last production ‘The Infinity Hospital’ I played a role of a mother with a dying son. The role itself was not difficult to interpret, but it was very difficult for myself, the director and almost all the production crew to the see that scene through. It was too emotional. I cried (truly now, not acting), the director had tears in her eyes and several times we cut. The crew were also moved. To worsen the case, this dying boy was intelligent, deep and philosophical and he talked as if he knew what was coming, yet satisfied with it. There was something scary about that scene and I never forget it. 
How do you see the Nigerian movie industry of today?
When I was growing up, many Nigerian Youth preferred foreign music, today you can’t even differentiate between Nigerian Musical Videos and those from America and today, our youth prefer Nigerian music. Today, I see the Nigerian movie industry following that trend. Our technical crews are up to date, our stories are becoming very relevant in the world. What is lacking now is the fund. The big investments from corporate organisations are still lacking, especially in the area of indigenous language movies. We pay more attention to movies in English Language that is why Nigeria has never had a film nominated at the Oscars, because Oscar will never nominate your film in English language in the category of their Best International Film. South Africa, Sudan, Egypt has made it to the Oscars but Nigeria, the biggest in Africa has not. We need to start investing in our indigenous language, that is why my partner and I have decided to do at least one indigenous language movie every year, even though we produce English and Hausa movies too. What is the best and worst part of being an actor? The best part is the fame, recognition and the way your face open doors, the not-too-good part is losing your privacy. Sometimes I want to park my car and buy roasted corn that is fast becoming an issue, because I once met a guy who smiled and said ‘Oh, so you too eat corn’ (laughs) for God’s sake I am human, I’ve got to eat.
What makes you special and unique as an actress in a whirlpool thriving with newcomers and existing actors who have made their names in the industry?
Well, I can’t see myself entirely but I believe in me. People have always made reference to my voice. My boss and Manager, Abiodun Jimoh said it was my ability to fit into an English speaking role and Yoruba speaking role very well. He said only few people have the beauty and those abilities. More importantly for me is the ability to learn, explore, focus and draw out a clear vision and goals. Which actor(s) inspires you and why? My get my inspirations from Omotola Ekeinde, Mercy Aigbe, Genevieve Nnaji and Kimberly Elise. Omotola, I guess you now know why, Mercy Aigbe (unlike most of her contemporaries) received me with open arms into the industry. Genevieve Nnaji because of her survivor spirit, just like Kimberly Elise of Hollywood, Genevieve made it to the top without much (if there was any at all) negative stories in the press without controversies. I believe a star’s life doesn’t always have to be about controversies, drugs and fights. We can live our lives decently, professionally and with hard work, we make it to the top, by God’s grace.
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