Veteran actress Joke Silva explains why she never changed her surname after marrying Olu Jacobs, highlighting a thoughtful branding decision supported by her husband

Renowned Nollywood actress Joke Silva has opened up about her decision to retain her maiden name after marrying legendary actor Olu Jacobs.

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The couple, who have been married since 1989, are celebrated both for their enduring love and their individual careers in Nigeria’s film industry.

Speaking in a recent interview, Silva revealed that the choice to continue using her maiden name was not only personal but strategic—encouraged by her husband, Olu Jacobs, at the start of their marriage.

“He was the one who actually advised that I don’t [change my name] because he understood the importance of branding,” Joke Silva shared. “My brand had already started building as Joke Silva, and changing it after years of use could cause problems for me.”

He was like, my brand has started building as Joke Silva and changing brands several years after… could cause problems for me.” — Joke Silva

While the public knows her by her professional name, Silva said that close friends and family recognise her as Mrs Jacobs. “Within the circles, there was nobody who didn’t know I was Mrs Jacobs. It really didn’t matter,” she clarified.

Silva also recounted that her father was initially hesitant about her relationship due to the 20-year age gap between her and Jacobs. However, driven by love and commitment, she went ahead with the marriage, which has now lasted over three decades and remains an inspiration to many.

Their story has long stood as a powerful symbol of mutual respect, support, and individuality within marriage—a rarity in both celebrity and traditional Nigerian settings.