Rachel Oniga

Rachel Oniga was born on May 23, 1957, in Ebute Metta, Lagos State, to parents hailing from Eku, a community in Delta State. After completing her primary education in Lagos at Abule-Oja, she relocated to Edo State for her secondary schooling. However, she later returned to Lagos and pursued further education in computer programming. Following her graduation, she briefly worked at Ascoline Nigeria Limited, a Dutch Consultant Company.

In 1993, after going through a divorce, Rachel Oniga decided to embark on a new path and ventured into acting. Her debut in the Nigerian movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood, came with the film "Onome." Although she started her acting career relatively late, her passion and dedication quickly gained recognition. She displayed remarkable versatility by taking on roles in both English and Yoruba movies, effectively captivating audiences across different cultures and languages.

Rachel Oniga's talent and hard work propelled her to feature in numerous notable Nigerian films and television series. Some of her remarkable works include the movie "Sango," scripted by Wale Ogunyemi and directed by Obafemi Lasode, as well as her appearances in Wale Adenuga's television series, "Super Story." Her filmography boasts an impressive range of performances, including "Out of Bounds," "Passion of Mind," "Doctor Bello," "30 Days in Atlanta," and "The Royal Hibiscus Hotel," among others.

In her personal life, Rachel Oniga faced challenges, including a divorce in 1993, which ultimately led her to pursue her acting career. Despite the trials she encountered, she remained a dedicated and loving mother to her three children. On September 5, 2014, she joyously embraced the role of a grandmother when her daughter, Georgia Oniga, gave birth to a baby girl.

Throughout her career, Rachel Oniga garnered immense respect and admiration from her peers and fans alike. Her talent and contributions to the Nigerian film industry were recognized with awards such as the City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Supporting Actress at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, and Best Indigenous Actress (Yoruba) at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

Tragically, Rachel Oniga's life was cut short when she passed away on July 31, 2021, in a Lagos hospital. Contrary to initial reports of her death being related to COVID-19 complications, it was determined that she succumbed to a heart-related ailment that she had battled for a brief period. Her demise at the age of 64 left a void in the Nigerian entertainment industry, but her talent and contributions will forever be cherished and remembered.