I Got Pregnant at 20 – Eniola Ajao Narrates

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Eniola Ajao has shared candid details about the emotional and societal challenges she faced after becoming pregnant at the age of 20.

In a recent appearance on the Talk To B podcast, the 44-year-old actress reflected on her journey to motherhood, revealing that she kept her pregnancy hidden due to fears of judgement and cultural expectations.

“Getting pregnant at 20 was overwhelming,” Ajao said. “At the time, it felt like the world was closing in. I was scared I wouldn’t be able to marry, and I didn’t want to be called a baby mama.”

Ajao, who was a student at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) when she became pregnant, explained that only close friends and family were aware of her condition. She recalled isolating herself to avoid stigma and criticism, noting that in her community, early pregnancy was often seen as a setback, especially for young women still in school.

“Where I come from, people expect you to graduate and achieve certain things before starting a family. Even though people like Omotola got married young – at 18 – it wasn’t the norm for us. That’s why I felt the need to keep it private,” she said.

Ajao gave birth to her son in May 2002, and although she has since built a successful career in Nollywood, she said the experience taught her resilience and the importance of owning one’s narrative.

Her story adds to ongoing conversations about the pressure placed on young women in Nigeria and the enduring stigma around early pregnancy outside of marriage.