LAGOS, Nigeria — Veteran Nollywood actor Sunday Afolabi has opened up about the financial difficulties and personal setbacks that pushed him into different jobs outside acting, following a viral video showing him calling passengers into a commercial minibus in Lagos.
Afolabi spoke during an interview on the Talk to B Show, hosted by actress Biola Adebayo and aired Tuesday. He explained that his decision to move to Badagry, a border community in Lagos state, contributed to his gradual disconnection from the center of Nigeria’s film industry.
“I relocated to Badagry because I wanted to have a building of my own,” Afolabi said, explaining that the limited money he had at the time could only afford land in the area. He said the long distance from central Lagos became a major obstacle to securing acting jobs, adding that work in the industry often provides little financial stability for actors.
His financial difficulties eventually forced him to sell his Nissan Quest for 180,000 naira after he could no longer afford repairs. He used part of the money to settle debts and purchase a used motorcycle, but said he was unfamiliar with riding and suffered several falls.
Afolabi said his attempt to earn a living as a motorcycle rider ended after he sustained serious injuries. On one occasion, he fell into a pothole while handling a plumbing-related errand and injured his jaw. Another accident later left him hospitalized for nearly two weeks, further limiting his ability to work.
Rather than relying on handouts, the actor said he explored several other occupations, including tailoring, solar panel installation, photography and commercial bus driving. “What I hate most in my life is to beg for food,” he said. “I’ll rather do any legitimate job.”
The veteran actor also addressed the viral video that prompted renewed public attention. He said the reaction to the footage made him uncomfortable because he believed it presented his circumstances in a way that could affect future acting opportunities. At the same time, he stressed that there was nothing shameful about doing legitimate work to survive. He also disclosed that the minibus shown in the video is currently not operating.
Afolabi’s account reflects a broader challenge faced by many veteran performers in Nigeria, where fame does not always translate into long-term financial security. Nollywood has grown into one of the world’s largest film industries by volume, but many actors, particularly those outside major productions, continue to depend on other sources of income. Afolabi’s story has therefore renewed discussion about the economic realities facing older entertainers after years of contributing to the industry.
