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Nollywood actor and filmmaker Jide Awobona has advised aspiring actors not to view acting as a fast route to wealth, stressing that success in the Nigerian film industry comes only through passion, patience, and consistent hard work.
In an interview with Sunday Scoop, the Jenifa’s Diary star explained that while acting can eventually become financially rewarding, those who pursue it solely for monetary gain are setting themselves up for disappointment. He noted that the profession requires genuine dedication and the willingness to keep improving one’s craft before financial success can follow.
He said, “Fulfilling and lucrative are like two parallel lines. No passionate actor like me starts with the primary aim of making money. However, one may be fortunate to strike deals or get acting gigs that make you smile all the way to the bank. This usually comes to actors who are diligent, consistent, passionate, and exceptionally good. That is not to say that those who lack those qualities don’t get lucky, too.”
Awobona further explained that the Nigerian film industry has only recently begun to show signs of strong financial growth. He attributed this to the emergence of digital streaming platforms, which have boosted investor confidence and created more financial opportunities for filmmakers. “The Nigerian movie industry only recently began to show strong financial promise, and that is largely because streaming platforms now acquire our content,” he said. “This has given more investors the confidence to put money into productions without the fear of running at a loss. So we are gradually getting there. But anyone thinking of becoming rich overnight shouldn’t consider acting. You must be passionate first, learn and study the profession, then decide.”
The actor also opened up about the personal sacrifices that come with being an entertainer, explaining that the demands of the job often affect his personal life. He revealed that the profession sometimes requires emotional strength, physical endurance, and flexibility, especially when balancing family life with a busy shooting schedule.
He said, “I have made several sacrifices. It is hard to point to one as the greatest because they come with the job. There are times I have had to cut family vacations short. I have paid extra money to change flight tickets immediately just to make it to set. I recently did this when we had to return to Nigeria on the next available flight and go straight to Oyo to film Lisabi by Lateef Adedimeji.”
Awobona also shared a personal experience that reflected his dedication to his craft despite health challenges. He revealed how he once had to fast during a production even though he suffers from an ulcer. “My ulcer usually makes fasting difficult for me, and I only fast during Ramadan. But there was a time I had to fast on set and break with just water because of the production schedule. These are parts of what we deal with quietly, because at the end of the day, the work must be done,” he added.
Through his words, Jide Awobona reminded upcoming actors that passion, discipline, and perseverance remain the true foundations of a lasting career in Nollywood.
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