-
Veteran actor Sunday Afolabi has explained why he resorted to commercial driving after struggling to find regular acting jobs.
-
He said relocating to Badagry to build his own home affected his access to acting opportunities in central Lagos.
-
Afolabi revealed that he sold his Nissan Quest for ₦180,000 and tried several jobs to support himself and his family.
-
The actor has appealed for accommodation and a reliable car to help him return to the entertainment industry and earn through ride-hailing.
August 12, (THEWILL) — Veteran Nollywood actor, Sunday Afolabi, has opened up about the financial difficulties that forced him to take up commercial driving after acting jobs became harder to find.
Afolabi spoke about his struggles during an interview on actress Biola Bayo’s Talk to B show, which was shared on Tuesday.
The actor said his decision to relocate to Badagry after securing land to build his own home affected his acting career because of the distance from central Lagos, where many film activities take place.
“It has affected my career. It has caused a lot of setbacks, especially for my major profession, which is acting”, he said.
With acting opportunities becoming less regular, Afolabi said he explored photography and other jobs but struggled to make enough money.
He revealed that he eventually sold his Nissan Quest, which had been left unrepaired for almost two years because he could not afford the repairs.
READ ALSO: 8 Nollywood Stars Who Died In 2026
“I sold my Nissan Quest to buy a fairly used motorcycle”, he said.
When asked how much he sold the vehicle for, the actor said it was ₦180,000.
Afolabi said he was not used to riding motorcycles and suffered several falls before eventually moving on to other means of earning a living.
He said he also tried tailoring, solar panel installation, photography and commercial bus driving rather than depend on begging.
“What I hate most in my life is to beg for food. I would rather do any legitimate job”, he said.
The actor also became emotional while discussing the effect of his financial struggles on his wife and children.
He recalled an encounter with a man who recognised him as an actor but questioned why he was struggling.
Afolabi also addressed a viral video showing him calling passengers into a commercial minibus. He said the public reaction to the video made him uncomfortable because he feared it could affect how people viewed him professionally.
However, he maintained that there was no shame in doing legitimate work to survive.
The veteran actor said he would prefer to have a reliable car that he could use for ride-hailing services and accommodation closer to central Lagos, which he believes would make it easier to return to acting jobs.
Following the interview, Biola Bayo appealed to members of the public to support Afolabi with accommodation and a vehicle that could help him earn a living through ride-hailing.
Afolabi began his career in Lagos in the 1970s and later became known for roles in productions including “Owo Blow”, “The Village Headmaster”, “Super Story” and “Nowhere to be Found”.
The actor’s account has also renewed conversations about the financial challenges faced by some veteran entertainers after years in the Nigerian film industry.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
