Mary Njoku is a Nigerian actress, producer, and entrepreneur. She is the director-general of ROK Film Studios, a Nigerian film production company. She also sits as the chief content officer of IROKO Partners; an online media distribution company.
Mary has starred in several blockbuster movies and produced hundreds of films through ROK Studios.
See Also: Resources that will help you start, market and grow a sustainable business.
Mary Njoku Background
Mary Nnenna Njoku was born on March 20, 1985 as the sixth child of the family of 8. Although born and raised in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos Nigeria, Mary hails from Nsukka, Enugu State. She had her primary and secondary education at Amuwo odofin and proceeded to obtain a diploma in computer science.
Thereafter, she went to the Lagos State University (LASU), where she studied for a degree in English Language. In addition, Mary attended the London films Academy in the UK and did a course on Producing: Movie Magic Budgeting & Schedule in 2012.
Personal Life
Mary is married to Jason Njoku. Jason is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of IROKOtv. They got married on August 18, 2012, and their union is blessed with three children; Jason, Nwakaego, and Amber.
See Also: Internet entrepreneurs – successful internet entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Mary Njoku Early Career
Mary’s interest in acting began at a tender age. She always loved to be creative. Therefore, she joined her secondary school group in stage productions. Next, she joined the movie industry in 2003, and started getting roles in TV Series.
In 2004, she made her acting debut in Home Sickness but came to the spotlight after starring in Blackberry Babes in 2011.
Also, she ventured into production and made her debut with the TV series Festac Town. Subsequently, she produced Hazeezat, Husband of Lagos, Thy Will Be Done, e.t.c
Summarily, Mary has starred in numerous movies and has worked with A-list actors like Mercy Aigbe, Desmond Elliot, Bolanle Ninalowo, and many others.
Films
Mary is an actor and producer. And some of the films she has starred in include;
- Brain Masters, 2006
- Sound of Love, 2006
- Critical Truth, 2008
- Kiss the Dust, 2008
- Brave Mind, 2012
- Sins of the Past, 2012
- Hand of Faith, 2012
- Royal Father’s, 2014
- Ihite Kingdom, 2014
- Hazeezat, 2014
- Thy will be done, 2015
- Picture Perfect, 2017
- Tough Love, 2017
ROK Film Studios
ROK Studios is a Nigerian film production house. It was founded in August 2013 by Mary Njoku. Under ROK Studios, she has produced hundreds of films and TV series such as: Festac Town, a series that centres on Festac (a place where Mary grew up).
In 2016, ROK was launched on Sky, and subsequently on DSTV and GOTV. Currently, it has ROK, ROK 2 and ROK 3 on DSTV to meet the growing demand of film lovers. ROK has over 15 million subscribers in Nigeria and over 12.5 million viewers in the UK. Also, it has an animation studios and own one of the largest content libraries in Nigeria.
However, in July, 2019, it was acquired by CANAL+, a French film and television series distributor. After the CANAL+ acquisition, Mary now sits as the director general of the company.
According to her, the new development will expose the industry to new audience and opportunities beyond the shores of Africa.
Mary Njoku Net Worth
Mary is one of the most influential actresses in Nigeria. According to Austinemedia.com, her net worth is estimated at $500,000.
Mary Njoku Quotes
“Balancing womanhood, Nollywood and entrepreneurship isn’t only possible, it looks like a lot of fun.”
“Marriage is not finding someone to live with. It’s finding someone you won’t live without.”
“Kids have absolutely no clue of what it takes to keep them smiling.”
“You don’t have to be rich to make an impact. In a gentle way, you can shake your world.”
“You are so perfect even when you are messy.”
“No matter how hard it hurts now, one day you will realise your struggle changed your life for the better.”
“There is a point you get to in life that everyone believes you have everything. You pay double for everything. You don’t get a thing from anyone. Yet everyone wants something from you….”
“I stay winning cos I am not competing with anyone but my ‘yesterday’…”
“There is nothing wrong with being a beginner, no one starts at the top.”
“Everything in life leads you to a certain point…”
“In Nollywood, you have to learn to work with limited resources and be very entrepreneurial…”
Lessons From The Life Of Mary Njoku
Determination
Mary recalled how she was turned down by a big Nollywood actor on the basis that she wasn’t big enough to venture into movie production. According to him, she was too small, and was only relying on big actors to push her career. So, he wasn’t going to be a part of it.
This words instead of shattering Njoku’s dream spurred her into doing more for herself with a renewed determination to succeed.
Whoever wants to succeed must see beyond the obstacles and forge ahead.
See Also: 10 ways to improve customer engagement and increase your revenue
Opportunities
Njoku started noticing gaps in the media market and the opportunities that exist, so she founded ROK Studios to fill the gap. In a bid to work with the limited resources at her disposal, she had to acquire many skills like learning how to operate cameras etc.
Her passion for what she does opened doors for her like, becoming the chief content officer of IROKO Partner and much more.
Most times, we don’t recognise opportunities because they are dressed in overalls. Entrepreneurs have the rare skill of recognising a problem (and opportunity) and proffering solutions to the problems. It is by proving solutions to the identified problems that money comes.
Work with the Right People
According to Mary, finding and working with the right team and talent has been a propeller for her big break. Her husband has also been a strong force, propelling her to achieve more. So, she believes that business thrive better with like minds.
A good team makes the dream come through. In business, you are only as strong or as weak as your team. When you find the right team, half of the challenge of running a business is solved.
Follow us on Instagram to keep track of our activities.
