Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has opened up about a personal decision that has often stirred curiosity among fans and followers — why she chose not to adopt her husband’s surname, the iconic actor Olu Jacobs, after marriage. In her latest interview, she revealed that it was actually a thoughtful, strategic decision made with her husband’s full support and encouragement.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Leadership podcast, hosted by renowned business strategist Stephen Akintayo, the 62-year-old screen veteran shared the reasoning behind this choice. According to Silva, Olu Jacobs himself had advised her against dropping her maiden name, recognizing the importance of maintaining the professional brand she had built in the entertainment industry.
When asked directly by the host if there was a specific reason she decided not to change her last name after getting married, Joke Silva responded candidly: “He [Olu Jacobs] was the one who actually advised that I don’t. Because he understood the importance of branding. He was like, my brand has started building as Joke Silva, and changing brands several years after one has been using that brand, as far as he was concerned, could cause problems for me.”
Silva elaborated that during the early days of her acting career, she had already started gaining recognition and a loyal following under the name Joke Silva. Her husband, understanding how crucial name identity is in show business, suggested she continue using it professionally while embracing her role as Mrs. Jacobs in their private life.
“So, we kept the name Joke Silva as the brand but within the circles, there was nobody who didn’t know I was Mrs. Jacobs. It [changing last name] really didn’t matter,” she said, adding that the distinction between public persona and private identity was never an issue for their family or inner circle.
Silva and Jacobs, whose marriage has spanned over three decades, remain one of the most respected and admired couples in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Their enduring relationship, built on love, trust, and mutual respect, continues to inspire generations of younger actors and fans alike.
Despite Olu Jacobs’ health challenges in recent years, the couple’s bond has remained unshaken, with Silva consistently standing by her husband’s side through every phase. Their story is widely regarded as a beautiful example of partnership, understanding, and professional support within the entertainment world.
Their decision to prioritize branding, while preserving their private family life, offers a valuable lesson for upcoming entertainers on balancing personal and professional identities in a demanding industry.
Today, Joke Silva continues to shine as a celebrated actress, producer, and advocate for the arts, while always honoring her husband, Olu Jacobs, and the legacy they’ve built together both on and off screen.