Veteran Nollywood actress Sola Sobowale has launched a residential care facility for older adults in Ibadan, Oyo State, attracting Governor Seyi Makinde, prominent entertainment personalities, dignitaries, family members and friends to the opening ceremony.
The facility, known as Joseph & Esther Homes, is located in the Akobo area of Ibadan and was officially commissioned by Governor Makinde on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The occasion also featured the unveiling of Sobowale’s book, Built From the Break.
The gathering brought together several notable figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry, including veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, actors Ibrahim Chatta and Femi Adebayo, and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan. Other guests and well-wishers also attended to celebrate the actress as she embarked on a new venture beyond the screen.
Sobowale was visibly moved by the overwhelming show of support at the event. One of its emotional moments came when her daughter paid tribute to her, praising her determination, resilience and compassion in bringing the project to life. The tribute reportedly left the actress in tears as her daughter comforted her.
Joseph & Esther Homes is designed to provide older adults with safe accommodation, personalised assistance and professional care while allowing them to maintain as much independence as possible. The facility operates under the slogan, “Live Well, Age Well, Thrive Together,” and describes itself as “A Place to Call Home.”
The project is built around the idea that professional elderly care should support families rather than replace them. Its stated approach combines residential accommodation, individualised care and a supportive community for senior citizens, particularly those whose relatives may struggle to provide round-the-clock assistance because of work commitments, distance or other responsibilities.
The home’s name also carries a personal meaning for Sobowale, as it honours her parents, Joseph and Esther Olagookun. The project reflects a different dimension of the actress’s life, extending her activities from entertainment into the care and welfare of older people.
Sobowale’s move into elderly care is also informed by her previous experience as a caregiver in the United Kingdom. In an earlier interview, she disclosed that she worked in caregiving after leaving Nigeria in 2004 and obtained professional qualifications before progressing to a team-leader position. That background provides important context for her decision to establish a dedicated residential care facility.
Governor Makinde’s presence at the commissioning brought official recognition to the initiative, while the attendance of leading figures in Nollywood highlighted the goodwill and professional relationships Sobowale has built over the years.
Beyond the glamour of the occasion, the launch draws attention to the need for organised, professional care for Nigeria’s ageing population. As families contend with demanding work schedules, migration and other pressures, residential facilities such as Joseph & Esther Homes seek to provide additional support while keeping family involvement central to the care of older relatives.
The event was also streamed online, enabling fans and admirers who could not attend in person to share in the celebration.
For Sobowale, widely admired for her memorable performances and longstanding contribution to Nigerian cinema, the launch marks a significant personal and professional milestone—one that places elderly welfare alongside her achievements in entertainment.
