Mary Njoku is a Nigerian actress, producer, content creator and founder of the ROK TV Channels and CEO of ROK Studios. She is also the wife of Jason Njoku, the co-founder and CEO of iROKOtv, a video-on-demand platform for Nigerian movies.
She has starred in several Nollywood movies, such as Blackberry Babes, Husbands of Lagos, and Thy Will Be Done. She is also a mother of three children and a philanthropist who supports young talents in the entertainment industry. She is regarded as one of the most influential and successful women in Africa.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 30, 1985, in Mile 2 Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State, Mary received her primary education in the same area. Her educational journey continued at Amuwo Odofin High School, National College Gbagada, and Navy Town Secondary School, all situated in Lagos. Originally from Nsukka, Enugu State, she pursued her studies in English Language at Lagos State University (LASU). Additionally, she enriched her education by attending the London Film Academy in the United Kingdom (UK), where she completed a course in ‘Movie Magic Budgeting & Schedule.’
Career
Mary commenced her acting journey in 2004, starring in the Nollywood movie ‘Home Sickness,’ alongside Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha. Her breakthrough came in 2011 with a prominent role in the Nollywood hit ‘Blackberry Babes.’
Between 2011 and 2013, Mary created iROKtv, a YouTube platform showcasing interviews with Nigerian celebrities and coverage of Afrobeats and Nollywood events. Transitioning to a pivotal role, she became the Chief Content Officer at IROKO Partners in 2015. That same year, she hosted the world premiere of her film ‘Thy Will Be Done’ at BFI IMAX London, marking the first Nollywood film premiere at IMAX.
In August 2013, Mary Njoku co-founded ROK Studios, a company dedicated to producing Nollywood movies and TV series such as ‘Festac Town,’ ‘Single Ladies,’ ‘Body Language,’ ‘Losing Control,’ and ‘Husbands of Lagos,’ among others.
In 2016, the film entrepreneur introduced ROK on Sky, a network broadcasting across the UK, launched at the Nigerian High Commission in the UK.
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Awards and Achievements
While Mary Njoku hasn’t yet bagged awards in the traditional Nollywood or African film categories, her achievements have been recognized on other platforms and through nominations. Here’s a breakdown:
Nominations:
- EbonyLife Prize for Screen Producer (2016): This nomination recognized Mary’s talent and potential as a producer in the early stages of ROK Studios’ journey.
- The Future Awards Africa for Young Person of the Year (2017): This prestigious nomination highlighted Mary’s entrepreneurial spirit and her contributions to the African entertainment industry as founder of ROK Studios.
Recognition and Accolades:
- Featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Africa list (2013): This recognition solidified Mary’s position as a young and influential entrepreneur in Africa.
- Named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by Avance Media (2019): This recognition acknowledged Mary’s broader impact beyond entertainment, showcasing her influence across various sectors.
- Featured in the BBC’s 100 Women list (2019): This prestigious list recognized Mary as a global inspiration for her work in promoting gender equality and empowering women through her platform.
Personal Life, Husband and Children
Mary Njoku is married to Jason Njoku, a British-Nigerian entrepreneur, since 2012. They have renewed their vows twice, signifying a strong and committed partnership.
They have three children together: Jason Obinna (born 2013), Nwakaego Annabelle (born 2015), and Nnenna Amber (born 2017). Mary occasionally shares family photos on social media, showcasing their close bond.
Social Media
Mary Njoku is active on several social media platforms, here’s a list:
Instagram: @maryremmynjoku
Twitter: @marynjoku
Facebook: Mary Njoku (official page)
LinkedIn: Mary Njoku (ROK Studios)
She is also known to interact with fans on her business accounts, such as:
ROK Studios Instagram: @rokstudiosonline
ROK Studios Facebook: @ROKStudios
Net Worth
Mary Njoku has an estimated net worth of $6 million as of 2023.
