Ruth Kadiri Ezerika is one of Nollywood’s most accomplished and respected actresses, screenwriters, and film producers.
With a career spanning nearly two decades and over 100 films to her credit, Ruth has established herself as a powerful and influential force in the Nigerian film industry, admired both for her emotional acting depth and her successful production company, Ruth Kadiri Films.
Profile
| Full Name | Ruth Kadiri Ezerika |
| Born | March 24, 1988 |
| Age | 38 years old |
| Birthplace | Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Edo State (also linked to Imo State heritage) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Actress, Screenwriter, Film Producer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Parents | Desmond Kadiri (Father) |
| Siblings | Precious Ehis Kadiri (younger sister, also a producer); first of two children |
| Spouse | Mr. Ezerika (married 2018) |
| Children | Two daughters – Reign and Emerald Ezerika |
| Net Worth | $700,000 – $1.2 million USD |
Early Life
Ruth Kadiri was born on March 24, 1988, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, the ancient capital city of the state. She is the first of two children born to her father, Desmond Kadiri, and her younger sister, Precious Ehis Kadiri, who has also gone on to become a producer in the entertainment industry. Although born in Benin City, Ruth grew up primarily in Ajegunle, Lagos, with her mother and sister, as her father worked outside the country for extended periods. Her passion for storytelling was sparked early in church, where she began writing plays as a teenager. Despite a modest upbringing, Ruth displayed remarkable ambition from a young age. At just 18, she wrote down her life goals, including owning her own apartment, a vision her father reportedly laughed off at the time but one she pursued relentlessly and eventually achieved.
Education
Ruth Kadiri completed her primary and secondary education in Benin City. She went on to earn a diploma in Business Administration from Yaba College of Technology before completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, providing her with a strong academic foundation in media and communication that complemented her acting career.
Career
Ruth Kadiri made her Nollywood debut in the 2007 film Boys Cot, marking the beginning of a career that would span nearly two decades and over 100 films. Since her debut, she has built a reputation for her exceptional acting skills, versatility, and emotional depth, appearing in both English and Yoruba language productions. Some of her widely recognized films include In Your Arms and Circle of Interest, among many others.
In 2016, Ruth expanded her career beyond acting by founding her own production company, Ruth Kadiri Films, aimed at producing high-quality Nigerian films. Under this production banner, she has worked on several successful projects, including Memory Lane and Tripod. Her work as a producer has earned her significant respect within the industry, as she continues to push the boundaries of Nigerian filmmaking through socially conscious and emotionally resonant storytelling. In 2015, she won the “Actress of the Year” award at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and was nominated for multiple honors at the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards, including Favorite Actress by the Fans and Best Acting Team (with Majid Michel). In 2018, she won “Best Actress of the Year” at the City People Movie Award and received a nomination for “Face of Nollywood.” Her most recent films, as of 2024, include Shattered Hopes and Broken Bonds. Ruth continues to balance her acting and producing career with her growing YouTube platform, where she shares content with her loyal fanbase.
Awards & Nominations
- Actress of the Year – Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2015)
- Favorite Actress by the Fans (Best Female Viewers Choice) – Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (Nomination)
- Best Acting Team / Best On-Screen Duo with Majid Michel – Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (Nomination)
- Best Actress – Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (Nomination)
- Best Actress of the Year – City People Movie Award (2018)
- Face of Nollywood – City People Movie Award (Nomination, 2018)
- Multiple additional nominations at various Nigerian entertainment award ceremonies (2019 and beyond)
Social Media
Ruth Kadiri maintains a strong presence on social media, particularly Instagram and YouTube, where she shares updates on her acting and production projects, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal reflections. Her YouTube platform has become an important extension of her brand, allowing her to connect directly with fans and showcase her production work.
Personal Life
Ruth Kadiri kept her relationship private for years before announcing her engagement to Mr. Ezerika on social media in 2017. The couple married in 2018 and have two daughters together, named Reign and Emerald Ezerika. Her husband is known to be a private individual who largely stays out of the media spotlight. Despite her growing fame, Ruth maintains a reserved and low-profile personal life, focusing on balancing motherhood with her demanding career as an actress and producer. Her Igbo roots, combined with her Edo upbringing, enrich a legacy that continues to reshape Nigerian cinema with emotional depth and social impact.
Net Worth
Ruth Kadiri’s estimated net worth ranges between $700,000 and $1.2 million USD, with some sources placing it as high as $1.5 million. Her wealth comes from her extensive acting career spanning over 100 films, her production company Ruth Kadiri Films, scriptwriting credits, brand endorsements, and her growing YouTube platform. She remains one of the wealthiest and most influential actresses in Nigeria’s film industry.
Filmography
Ruth Kadiri’s filmography includes over 100 films and television projects, with notable titles such as Boys Cot (2007), In Your Arms, Circle of Interest, Memory Lane (producer), Tripod (producer), Shattered Hopes (2024), and Broken Bonds (2024).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Ruth Kadiri?
Ruth Kadiri Ezerika is a Nigerian actress, screenwriter, and film producer who has been active in Nollywood since 2007 and has appeared in over 100 films.
When was Ruth Kadiri born?
She was born on March 24, 1988, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Is Ruth Kadiri married?
Yes, she is married to Mr. Ezerika, whom she wed in 2018, and they have two daughters together.
What is Ruth Kadiri Films?
Ruth Kadiri Films is Ruth Kadiri’s own production company, founded in 2016, which has produced several successful Nollywood movies.
What is Ruth Kadiri’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth ranges between $700,000 and $1.2 million USD.
Conclusion
Ruth Kadiri’s journey from a young storyteller writing plays in church to becoming one of Nollywood’s most accomplished actresses and producers is a powerful testament to determination and self-belief. Her ability to balance a thriving acting career with her work as a screenwriter and the founder of her own production company, Ruth Kadiri Films, sets her apart as a true multi-hyphenate force in the Nigerian entertainment industry. With a strong family life and a legacy of emotionally resonant storytelling, Ruth Kadiri continues to inspire and shape the future of Nollywood.