Ruth Kadiri is a prominent Nigerian actress, film producer, and screenwriter, widely recognized as one of the leading scriptwriters in Nigeria. She graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in mass communication and also pursued studies in Business Administration at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
This article explores Ruth Kadiri’s biography, her husband, film career, and net worth. Ruth made her Nollywood debut with the film “Boy’s Cot,” which significantly advanced her career, allowing her to work alongside acclaimed actors such as Nonso Diobi, Uche Jombo, Jim Iyke, and Mike Ezuruonye.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 24, 1988, in Benin City, Edo State, Ruth Kadiri is the eldest child in her family. She faced challenges during her upbringing as her father lived abroad while she was raised in Lagos with her younger sister and mother. Despite growing up in the Ajegunle ghetto of Lagos, Ruth remained determined to change her circumstances. By the age of eighteen, she had written down her aspirations, including plans to gain independence and financial stability. Although her father initially laughed at her ambitions, this only fueled her motivation.
In interviews, Ruth has discussed the numerous challenges she faced, including gender discrimination and various rejections. She expressed gratitude for the person she has become despite these obstacles.
Career Development
Ruth Kadiri studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and holds a certification in Business Administration from Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech). Throughout her academic journey, she endured harassment from a female lecturer who attempted to seduce her. Despite this disturbing experience, Ruth remained focused on her goals.
Her passion for storytelling began in church and continued during her secondary school years, where she wrote short scripts. Ruth’s first audition took place at Wale Adenuga Studios, a prominent name in Nigerian cinema, where she met Victor Eze, who introduced her to scriptwriting.
After honing her writing skills, she penned her first script, “Wild and Dirty,” and subsequently wrote several other scripts before stepping in front of the camera.
Filmography
Ruth Kadiri’s debut film was “Boy’s Cot,” where she shared the screen with notable figures in Nollywood. Throughout her acting career, she has appeared in nearly a hundred films and has written and co-written several, including “Matters Arising,” “Heart of a Fighter,” “Ladies Men,” “Sincerity,” “First Class,” and “Over the Edge.”
Having experienced life’s hardships, Ruth is committed to giving back to the community. She founded the Ruth Kadiri Kids foundation, aimed at supporting underprivileged children in realizing their dreams through financial aid and motivational talks.
Some notable films featuring Ruth Kadiri include:
- Breath of Love
- Change of Ownership
- Deceptive Heart
- Heart of a Fighter
- Honeymoon Guys
- Internet Hustlers
- Ladies Gang
- Limpopo Chicks
- Mad Couple
- Matters Arising
- Mercy the Bus Driver
- Negative Influence
- Over the Edge
- Somebody Lied
- Stolen Lives
- The Patient Girl
- War for Limpopo
- Yankee Students
Personal Life and Marriage
Ruth Kadiri is currently married to Mr. Ezerika, with the couple tying the knot in November of the previous year. Before her marriage, Ruth was often seen in affectionate moments with her partner. She acknowledged that she has no control over the timing of meeting the right person to marry and expressed her desire to raise a family properly. Rumors about her relationship history include an engagement to a man rumored to have been involved in fraudulent activities, who is reportedly married with children in London.
In August 2019, Ruth gave birth to a son named Reign Nwachinemelu Ezerika.
Insights from Nollywood
In interviews, Ruth Kadiri has shared that her time in Nollywood has taught her the value of patience and understanding that everyone’s journey is unique. She emphasized the importance of staying focused and maintaining one’s personal style in the industry, even in the face of distractions. According to her, success in Nollywood hinges on following trends while being true to oneself.
Controversies
Ruth Kadiri has managed to steer clear of many controversies, carefully guarding her personal life. However, her name was linked to a scandal involving a popular pastor, Apostle Suleiman, which she vehemently denied.
Net Worth
A few years ago, Ruth Kadiri purchased a Range Rover Sports car, which she clarified was bought with her own earnings, despite claims suggesting otherwise. Her estimated net worth stands at around $200,000, stemming from her work as an actress, screenwriter, and philanthropist.