Olufemi Adeyemi 

Dakore Egbuson-Akande is an invaluable asset to the Nigerian and broader African entertainment landscape. She is a distinguished and beloved Multiple Award-winning Film and Stage Actor, TV personality, vocalist, dancer, and humanitarian. 

Dakore pursued her studies in Mass Communication, with a focus on Print Media and a minor in Public Relations and Advertising, at the esteemed University of Lagos.

Throughout her career, she has served as a Brand Ambassador for numerous prominent brands, including Pampers (P&G) Nigeria, Cow & Gate (Danone Nutricia), Amstel Malta (Nigerian Breweries), H2O (Pepsi), MTN (Nigeria’s leading telecommunications provider), and Nestle Milo in 2019. She reprised her role with Amstel Malta in 2020 and became known as “Aunty2sure” for 2sure hand and surface sanitizers (SABC Plc).

In addition to her acting pursuits, Dakore engages in various other roles. She serves as a brand ambassador for organizations such as Amnesty International and Oxfam America, among others. 

Furthermore, she is a supporter of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

Dakore is also the inaugural Ambassador for ActionAid Nigeria, an international NGO dedicated to raising awareness and support for the underprivileged in society.

In her humanitarian efforts, she made history as the first Nigerian actor to be appointed as an Ambassador for Amnesty International and Oxfam America, advocating for arms control. 

Additionally, she has collaborated with the United Nations on initiatives promoting girl-child education and combating violence against women, particularly through the “Orange the World” campaign.

Dakore joined forces with the European Union (EU) and other celebrities and influencers to participate in the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.

She made a remarkable entrance into the Nollywood industry, captivating audiences not only with her stunning beauty but also with her mesmerizing performances, prompting many to question her previous absence and origins.

This talented actress and emerging queen of the screen is Dakore Egbuson, born in Bayelsa. Born on October 14, 1978, she is a celebrated actress and model who pursued her studies in Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.

Dakore Egbuson rose to prominence in the early 2000s, making her film debut in "Peace of Flesh," but it was her role in "Silent Tears" in 2004 that truly launched her career. This film showcased her remarkable acting abilities and catapulted her to stardom, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in Nollywood.

Her remarkable filmography features significant titles such as "The Setup," "Chief Daddy," "New Money," "Coming from Insanity," "Journey to Self," "Lunch Time Heroes," and "Caught in the Middle."

Since making her lead debut in the Nollywood classic "Silent Tears" in 1999, along with roles in "Playboy" and "Emotional Crack," Dakore has appeared in over 100 films. Her recent blockbuster successes include "Fifty" (Netflix), the spinoff series "Fifty" (Ebonylife TV), "Isoken" (Amazon Prime and Netflix), and "New Money" (2018) (Netflix). She has also recently completed filming as the lead in Nigeria's first legal drama series, "Castle & Castle" (Netflix), and starred in "Chief Daddy," which became the highest-grossing film of 2018 at the Nigerian box office. Additionally, her short film "Yemi’s Dilemma" was an official selection at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles in 2017 and was recently announced at the Festival International Pan-African in Cannes, France.

Moreover, "Coming from Insanity" (2019) and "The Setup," which premiered in cinemas on August 9, 2019, are both currently available for streaming on Netflix, receiving enthusiastic reviews.

Other significant films that contributed to her ascent in the industry include "Emotional Crack" (2003), "Dangerous Sisters" (2004), "Real Love" (2005), "Isoken," and "Fifty." With over 100 films to her credit, Dakore has established herself as a formidable presence in the cinematic landscape.

Throughout her career, which spans more than two decades, Dakore's performances have garnered her numerous awards and nominations. She has made a significant impact on Nollywood, boldly declaring her arrival and establishing herself as a leading talent.

In 2011, Dakore married her beloved, Olumide Akande, and together they have two wonderful children, Ayodele and Dasola. Olumide, a University of Lagos alumnus from a distinguished Lagos family, is a successful businessman and entrepreneur.

The couple exhibits a profound connection, with Olumide playing a crucial role in assisting Dakore in managing her professional and family responsibilities. As a committed husband and father, Olumide maintains a discreet presence while actively supporting Dakore's acting career and her charitable initiatives.

Throughout her successful career, Dakore has received numerous accolades, including the AMMA Best Actress award for "Isoken" in 2017, the AMMA Best Actress award in 2018, and the International Honorary Award at the Paris International Film Festival in 2021. She has also been recognized at the Best of Nollywood Awards (BON) and the City People Entertainment Awards.

In 2018, Dakore was named one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) by the UN. 

She’s also part of the jury for “Nollywood in Hollywood,” a collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC) aimed at showcasing top-notch Nigerian films to a broader audience. These films are shown at the Egyptian Theatre and USC's film school.

Dakore recently snagged the Best Actress award for her role in ISOKEN at both the African Academy Movie Awards (AMAA) and the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in 2018. The film was also featured at the 2019 Pan-African Film Festival in Los Angeles.

On top of that, her role in Nigeria's first legal drama series, “Castle & Castle,” has landed it a second season on Netflix, which is currently in production. She’s also stepping into the role of producer and co-director for her debut feature film, “Blaqout,” which tells the story of a young Nigerian girl discovering her identity in the male-dominated Afrobeats music scene.

Additionally, she served as a juror for the Paris International Film Festival in 2021 and received an “International Honorary Award (Prix d’honneur)” for her contributions to film in February 2021. In another role, she’s now a Non-Executive Director and board member of UK-Dion Investment Limited, an investment firm based in Lagos.

Naturally, Dakore's remarkable career has left a significant mark on the industry. Her journey has motivated countless aspiring actors and actresses. Her commitment, enthusiasm, and professionalism distinguish her as a role model. Additionally, she advocates for women's rights, mental health awareness, and social justice through her films and public appearances.

Dakore currently prioritizes spending quality time with her family and engages in activities such as reading, traveling, and viewing classic films. Furthermore, she actively participates in philanthropic endeavors.

Today, October 14, 2024, marks the 46th birthday of Dakore Egbuson-Akande, a highly accomplished and versatile actress. This tribute is a celebration of her remarkable talent, unwavering dedication, and exceptional professionalism.