Sola Sobowale opens elderly care home in Ibadan

Veteran Nollywood actress Sola Sobowale has opened an elderly care facility, Joseph and Esther Homes, in Akobo, Ibadan, Oyo State, inspired by her parents and her experience working as a caregiver in the United Kingdom.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde commissioned the facility on Tuesday during an event that also featured the launch of Sobowale’s book, Built From the Break.

Named after her parents, Joseph and Esther Olagookun, the residential care home is designed to provide older adults with a safe, supportive environment where they can live with dignity, independence, and access to professional care.

Makinde formally commissioned the facility by cutting the ribbon after touring its indoor and outdoor sections.

The event attracted several government officials and prominent Nollywood personalities, including actors Kunle Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, Ibrahim Chatta and veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello.

Also in attendance were former Lagos State Commissioner for Information Steve Ayorinde, comedian Gbenga Adeyinka and the chairman of Lagelu Local Government Area, alongside other dignitaries.

Joseph and Esther Homes was named in honour of Sobowale’s parents, both educators. Her father was a retired principal, while her mother served as a headmistress.

The facility operates under the tagline, “Live Well, Age Well, Thrive Together,” with a philosophy centred on providing older people with personalised accommodation, professional care, security and opportunities for community living.

Describing its vision, the home adopts the principle: “We do not replace family. We help families care better.”

The approach is intended to support families who may struggle to provide constant care for their ageing relatives because of work commitments, distance or other responsibilities, particularly those living abroad.

It also emphasises maintaining communication with relatives while ensuring residents receive appropriate attention and support.

Although the facility has been unveiled, full operations are expected to commence later in 2026.

Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Makinde congratulated the actress, describing her vision as a quiet but deeply impactful initiative that promotes the traditional values of caring for parents and older people.

He praised the decision to create a place where elderly Nigerians can receive care in a safe, secure and dignified environment.

The Oyo governor described the project as an extraordinary gesture driven by Sobowale’s love for her parents and concern for the welfare of older people.

He also urged wealthy and influential Nigerians to use their resources, positions and intellect to improve society rather than oppress others.

Mr Makinde, who recalled that his late mother lived with him until her death, also spoke about Nigeria’s culture of family support and the importance of preserving it while responding to the changing needs of modern families.

He also announced that the access road leading to the facility, already being rehabilitated by the Lagelu Local Government, would be extended to the home’s frontage. The road would also receive solar-powered streetlights to improve accessibility and security.

The establishment of Joseph and Esther Homes also draws from Sobowale’s personal experience working in the elderly care sector in the United Kingdom.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the actress relocated from Nigeria around 2004, when she had become popular for playing Toyin Tomato in the television series Super Story: Oh Father, Oh Daughter.

She spent approximately 12 years away from the Nigerian entertainment industry, returning to active Nollywood work in 2016 after auditioning for the movie The Wedding Party.

Sobowale had previously explained that her decision to relocate was largely motivated by her desire to support her children, who were studying in the UK.

She said she wanted to give them better educational opportunities and the motherly attention she believed they needed, especially amid prolonged university strikes in Nigeria.

Despite her success in Nollywood, the actress took up several jobs abroad, including working as a caregiver.

She has spoken about starting at the grassroots in the care industry, taking on physically demanding responsibilities such as washing, cleaning, and assisting older adults.

Sobowale also earned National Vocational Qualification certificates at Levels 2, 3 and 4 before progressing to team leader.

Her experience, which included cleaning and cooking roles, shaped her perspective on the dignity of labour, elderly welfare, and the importance of caring for vulnerable people.

She eventually returned to Nigeria and rebuilt her acting career, earning renewed recognition for her performances in major productions.

Born in Ondo State, the actress is one of Nollywood’s recognised performers.

She gained widespread popularity through her portrayal of Toyin Tomato in Super Story before featuring in several Nigerian films and television productions.

Her notable credits include The Wedding Party and King of Boys, for which she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2019.

Beyond acting, Sobowale has also worked as a screenwriter, director and producer.

The unveiling of Joseph and Esther Homes marks a new phase in her career, extending her work beyond entertainment into elderly welfare and residential care.