Chiwetel Ejiofor is an Oscar-nominated actor and engaged philanthropist, collaborating closely with the Geanco Foundation as they drive forward education, health and gender equity in Nigeria.
Chiwetel shares his journey into philanthropy, influenced by his family's medical background and his own passion for education and healthcare.
He discusses his collaboration with Afam Onyema, CEO of the Geanco Foundation, and how this partnership has led to significant advancements in education and medical care in Nigeria, particularly through the development of the Brightland Academy in Enugu.
The episode delves into Chiwetel's personal involvement in various projects, his approach to using his platform for amplifying important causes, and the transformative impact of these initiatives over the last decade.
Chiwetel's reflections offer insights into the power of philanthropy in fostering change and building a better future, particularly in challenging environments like Nigeria.
About Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor is an internationally renowned actor, whose big break came in 2002 with a starring role in Stephen Frears’ Dirty Pretty Things. He has been a mainstay of British and American television and cinema screens for over twenty years.
Chiwetel is the recipient of multiple awards including a BAFTA, an Olivier, an NAACP Image Award, as well as receiving nominations for an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards and five Golden Globe Awards.
The breadth of his talent is truly incredible, with roles ranging from drag queen Lola in Kinky Boots, Solomon Northup in 12 Years A Slave (an Oscar-nominated performance) and Karl Modo in both Marvel’s Doctor Strange films. He was appointed to CBE in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to drama.
Chiwetel can now be seen in Sophie Barthes’ feature The Pod Generation opposite Emilia Clarke, and wrapped The Old Guard 2 with Charlize Theron last summer. He can also be seen on screens playing the titular role in Showtime’s series The Man Who Fell To Earth, co-starring Naomie Harris and Bill Nighy.