“He Understood Branding”: Joke Silva Opens Up On Why She Didn't Take Olu Jacobs’ Surname
Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has revealed the heartfelt and strategic reason behind her decision not to adopt her husband, Olu Jacobs’ surname after marriage — and it’s as empowering as it is thoughtful.
Appearing on the Leadership Podcast hosted by Stephen Akintayo, the 62-year-old actress disclosed that it was Olu Jacobs himself who encouraged her to stick with her maiden name — not out of rebellion, but as a smart move to protect her growing brand in the entertainment industry.
“He was the one who actually advised that I don’t [change it]. Because he understood the importance of branding,” Joke said.
At a time when many women still face pressure to drop their names after marriage, Silva’s story challenges the traditional norm — emphasizing that mutual respect and understanding in marriage should trump societal expectations.
“Changing brands several years after one has been using that brand, as far as he was concerned, could cause problems for me,” she added.
Silva made it clear that the choice wasn’t about separating her personal life from her marriage, but about preserving the integrity of a career she had painstakingly built.
“Within the circles, there was nobody who didn’t know I was Mrs Jacobs. It really didn’t matter,” she said with a smile.
💬 OPINION: A Lesson in Love, Respect, and Modern Womanhood
Joke Silva’s revelation isn’t just a peek into her personal life — it's a reminder of what partnership and progressive thinking look like in a marriage. In a culture where women are often asked to diminish parts of themselves after marriage, Olu Jacobs’ encouragement for his wife to remain herself is both rare and deeply admirable.
It’s also a powerful nod to women everywhere: you can be a wife, a mother, and still own your name, your dreams, and your brand.
In many ways, this story is less about names and more about vision — and about two legends who knew how to support one another beyond the spotlight.
🔖 Nollywood Reacts
Fans and industry colleagues have taken to social media to celebrate the couple’s wisdom and legacy:
“A man ahead of his time. Olu Jacobs is a king in every sense.”
“This is why they remain the blueprint for Nollywood love stories.”
“Respect to both of them. This is what empowerment in marriage looks like.”
💡 The Takeaway?
Marriage should elevate you — not erase you. And sometimes, keeping your name isn’t resistance — it’s strategy.
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