Charles Okpaleke, OON, is a distinguished Nigerian film producer, entrepreneur, and health economist, renowned for rejuvenating classic Nollywood films through his company Play Network Africa.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Charles Okpaleke |
| Date of Birth | 14 March 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Anambra State |
| Partner | Ogochukwu Adimorah |
| Children | 2 (twin daughters) |
| Occupations | Film producer, Entrepreneur, Health Economist, Hospitality Executive |
| Net Worth | USD 3 millio |
Early Life and Education
Charles Okpaleke was born on 14 March 1983 in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. He is the son of the late Julian Chukwuemeka Okpaleke, a former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, and Florence Ngozi Okpaleke, a practicing lawyer.
He completed his secondary education at King’s College, Lagos, in 1999 before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in 2005.
Subsequently, he pursued a master’s degree in Health Economics and Health Policy at the University of Birmingham, UK, graduating in 2007.
Career
Okpaleke started his career as a medical laboratory scientist at State House Clinic in Abuja (2005–2006), followed by a health economist role working on the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative Nigeria project with Family Healthcare International and USAID (2007–2008).
He later co-founded Play Sports Bar and Grill, which evolved into Play Network Africa, a multifaceted business empire in entertainment, hospitality, and lifestyle sectors.
In 2015, he purchased the rights to remake the Nollywood classic Living in Bondage, which he transformed into a sequel titled Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019).
The film earned him seven awards at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Okpaleke has also acquired the rights to remake other Nollywood classics such as Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story, Nneka the Pretty Serpent, and Glamour Girls.
Additionally, he innovated with Nigeria’s first drive-in cinemas in Abuja and Lagos during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal Life
Charles Okpaleke married Ogochukwu Adimorah in 2013, and they have twin daughters. A committed Christian and devoted family man, he is known for his private nature despite a high-profile career.
He also runs the “Be a Boss in 50 Seconds” initiative, aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs with seed funding.
Charles Okpaleke Net Worth
His net worth is estimated at approximately USD 3 million (around ₦4.5 billion), accrued through his film production ventures, hospitality enterprises, and brand endorsements.
Filmography
| Film Title | Role(s) | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Living in Bondage: Breaking Free | Producer, Executive Producer | 2019 |
| Nneka the Pretty Serpent | Executive Producer, Co-producer | 2020 |
| Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story | Executive Producer | 2020 |
| Aki and Pawpaw | Executive Producer, Co-producer | 2021 |
| Glamour Girls | Producer, Executive Producer | 2022 |
| Mojisola | Executive Producer | 2023 |
| This Is Lagos | Producer, Executive Producer | 2023 |
| Blood Vessel | Producer, Executive Producer | 2023 |
| Skeleton Coast | Executive Producer | 2024 |
| Hijack ’93 | Producer, Executive Producer | 2024 |
Awards and Recognitions
- Seven awards at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, including Best Movie (West Africa) and Best Overall Movie for Living in Bondage: Breaking Free.
- Conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023 for his outstanding contributions to drama and music.
