Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu has reflected on producing her first feature film at the age of 50, as she encouraged people not to abandon their ambitions because they believe they are too old to begin.
The founder of EbonyLife Media shared the message while celebrating her 62nd birthday on 11 September 2026.
In a video published on her verified Instagram account, Abudu recalled entering the media industry at 40 before moving into film production about a decade later.
“I made my first film at 50,” she said, referring to Fifty, the first feature film produced under EbonyLife Films.
The film follows four successful women as they confront personal, professional and family challenges while approaching the age of 50.
From television to film production
Abudu began her broadcasting career through Moments with Mo, a television talk show featuring interviews and discussions on politics, culture, health, relationships and entertainment.
She subsequently established EbonyLife TV and expanded into film production through EbonyLife Films.
Fifty was directed by the late Nigerian filmmaker Biyi Bandele, while Abudu served as its executive producer. The film had its international premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2015 before its Nigerian cinema release.
Abudu’s statement about making her first film at 50 refers to producing her first feature film. It does not mean that she directed Fifty.
That distinction is important because her directorial career began several years later.
In 2022, Abudu announced that she would direct two short films, Her Perfect Life and Iyawo Mi, after receiving filmmaking training that included a directing course at the London Film School.
The Guardian Nigeria reported that the productions marked her first experience taking responsibility for the complete filmmaking process as a director.
Building the EbonyLife brand
Following Fifty, Abudu produced or supported several prominent Nigerian films and television productions.
Her credits include The Wedding Party, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Chief Daddy, Òlòtūré, Blood Sisters, Elesin Oba and The Governor.
Many of the productions reached audiences beyond Africa through cinemas, international film festivals and global streaming platforms.
According to EbonyLife’s account of the film’s development, Fifty formed part of Abudu’s wider effort to challenge narrow international portrayals of Africa and present contemporary African experiences to global audiences.
The film also established EbonyLife Films as a significant participant in the growth of modern Nollywood.
Age should not end ambition
Abudu said age should not be treated as a barrier to pursuing a business, creative project or career change.
“Your age is not your limitation,” she said.
She recalled establishing EbonyLife Place in Lagos at 55 and continuing to develop new entertainment projects at 62.
Her message was not that success is guaranteed when someone begins later in life. Instead, she argued that people should not allow age alone to prevent them from taking practical steps towards a long-held ambition.
Abudu encouraged those carrying business or creative ideas to begin working on them rather than waiting indefinitely for perfect circumstances.
P.M. News reported that she described herself as still building, creating and beginning new projects at 62.
Taking African storytelling to London
Abudu is also preparing to expand the EbonyLife Place concept from Lagos to London.
The planned development is expected to bring African cinema, food, culture and creative enterprise together in one venue, providing another international platform for African businesses and storytellers.
ThisDay reported in August 2026 that EbonyLife Place London was expected to open on Wandsworth Road in October. Until the venue opens officially, October remains the announced timetable rather than a completed launch date.
The project is particularly relevant to Africans living in the United Kingdom and across the diaspora. It is intended to provide a cultural space where African stories and creative work can reach both diaspora communities and wider international audiences.
Abudu’s journey from television presenter to media entrepreneur, film producer and director demonstrates that a successful career does not have to follow a fixed timetable.
Her reflections at 62 carry a direct message: beginning later may present difficulties, but age alone should not decide whether an ambition is pursued.
