In the vibrant realm of Nigerian media and entertainment, Mo Abudu stands as a trailblazer. Her journey, marked by resilience and innovation, has challenged norms and established her as a formidable force in the industry.
Early Years and Roots Mo Abudu, born Mosunmola Abudu on September 11, 1964, in London, United Kingdom, is the eldest child of Mr. Lawrence Akintunde, an engineer, and Mrs. Lawerence Akintunde, a caterer from Ondo town in Ondo State, Nigeria. At the age of 7, Mo moved to Nigeria to live with her grandparents, returning to the UK at 11. Her formative years were spent in London, attending the Ridgeway School, MidKent College, and West Kent College. Mo earned a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Westminster in London.
Private Persona Despite her public prominence, Mo Abudu keeps her personal life under wraps. She had a brief marriage with Tokunbo Abudu, a wealthy businessman, resulting in two children, Temidayo and Adekoyejo Abudu. The marriage ended in divorce, with Mo retaining the “Abudu” name. Post-divorce, Mo has maintained privacy about her personal relationships, focusing on her role as the head of Ebonylife, her media empire.
From HR Consultant to Media Mogul Mo Abudu’s journey to becoming a media mogul diverged from her initial career path. Starting as a recruitment consultant in 1987 in the UK, she later worked with Starform Group, a business information group, handling research, design, and production of conferences. In 1993, she moved to Nigeria, joining ExxonMobil as the head of Human Resources and Administration, honing skills crucial for her future endeavors.
Entrepreneurial Leap After almost a decade with ExxonMobil, Mo founded Vic Lawerence & Associates Limited, a Human Resources consultancy firm in Nigeria, in 2000. Simultaneously, her passion for storytelling led to the creation of “Moments with Mo,” Africa’s first syndicated daily talk show. The show, featuring A-list celebrities and global figures, celebrated African achievements.
Birth of Ebony Life TV In 2013, Mo Abudu’s dream of owning a media empire materialized with the birth of Ebony Life TV, the first black entertainment and lifestyle global network. The channel, broadcasting in numerous African countries and the UK, became a prominent platform for African stories. Additionally, Mo established Ebony Life Films in 2014, producing notable movies like “Fifty” and contributing to blockbusters like “The Wedding Party.”
Social Impact Beyond business, Mo Abudu is a philanthropist who founded The Inspire Africa Foundation, focusing on social transformation initiatives. The foundation, known for charity concerts and partnerships, also operates a charity store, The Designer Outlet for Charity.
Awards and Honors Mo’s exemplary career has garnered numerous accolades, including Forbes Africa’s First Woman to Own a Pan Africa TV Channel in 2013, recognition in Hollywood Reporter’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Global TV, and the IoD Entrepreneurial Award by the Institute of Directors Nigeria in 2017.
Global Recognition Her influence extends globally, evidenced by awards like the 2018 African Achievers Awards at the UK House of Commons. In 2023, her media companies collaborated with Idris Elba and Green Door Pictures to amplify African voices and narratives.
Luxury Living Mo Abudu resides in a Banana Island mansion worth over N600 million. Her impressive car collection includes the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Escalade ESV SUV, Lexus LX570, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, reflecting both performance and class. The total value of her car fleet surpasses N1 billion.
Net Worth As of 2022, Forbes ranked Mo Abudu #99 on the list of 100 Most Powerful Women in the World. Her net worth, estimated at $650 million, stems from diverse business ventures and the success of Ebony Life.
In the dynamic landscape of Nigerian media and entertainment, Mo Abudu stands as a symbol of ingenuity and determination. From her early career in HR to founding Ebony Life and beyond, her journey exemplifies the fusion of passion, business acumen, and social impact. As she continues to shape narratives and break barriers, Mo Abudu remains an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and a trailblazer in the global entertainment arena.
