Chimamanda nominates Ego Boyo as British Vogue’s ‘Force for Change’ for 2024

Chimamanda Adichie, the Nigerian author, has nominated Ego Boyo, the actress, as British Vogue’s ‘Force for Change’ for 2024.

In a statement on Vogue’s website, Adichie praised Boyo, 55, for her influential work in the entertainment industry and her commitment to social advocacy.

The 46-year-old writer also described the movie star as an “iconic figure” and a “role model”, who has made long-standing efforts to combat sexual violence against women and advocate for women’s education and healthcare in Nigeria.

“An iconic figure since my teenage years, when she starred in the seminal 1990s Nigerian TV drama Checkmate. Her character challenged accepted norms of what women could be,” the statement reads.

“Beyond her work on-screen, Boyo is actively involved in charity work focused on women – combating sexual violence against women and girls in Nigeria, highlighting women’s education and healthcare.

“Today, she continues to be a role model for young Nigerian women – with her quiet glamour, her depth, and her dedication to producing quality work. An absolute class act.”

In response, Boyo expressed gratitude on Instagram, thanking Adichie and the British Vogue team for the recognition.

“This recognition fuels my commitment to contribute positively to the narratives we create, especially for future generations. My deepest thanks to Vogue and dearest Chimamanda for this acknowledgment,” she wrote.

Boyo, who serves as the executive producer and CEO of Temple Productions, Temple Films, and Temple Studio, began her acting career in the late 1980s.

She is best known for her role as Anne Haastrup in the iconic 1991-1994 TV series ‘Checkmate’.

In 2019, Adichie was recognised as a ‘Force for Change’ by British Vogue.

The ‘Force for Change’ recognition celebrates “change makers who have had a laudable impact in recent times and who are set to reshape society in radical and positive ways”.