Popular Nollywood actor Odunlade Adekola has expressed heartfelt gratitude to God as he celebrates an incredible milestone—28 years in the acting industry.
The beloved actor, known for his versatility and captivating performances, took to social media to mark the occasion, reflecting on his journey and the unwavering support from his fans and colleagues. Odunlade’s gratitude resonated deeply, as he acknowledged the blessings and opportunities that have shaped his illustrious career.
Fans and fellow actors have joined him in celebrating this remarkable achievement, showering him with congratulatory messages and praise for his contributions to Nollywood.
Odunlade is one actor who has been able to carve a niche for himself in both the English and Yoruba movie sectors, winning awards back-to-back. He often takes lead roles in most of the movies he features in. His name comes first when considering a global face in the Yoruba movie sector. He maintains a very good and cordial relationship with his colleagues from other sectors and also respects his older colleagues, which is undoubtedly one reason why they also like him. It’s also well-known that reputable brands, such as Glo, Nigerian Breweries, and many others, always want to renew his contracts after the first year because of how he represent their brands. His hilarious facial expressions have made him the king of memes, which has increased his popularity globally.
He remains one of the most followed actors on Instagram with over 5 million followers. His movies air more than those of any other actor on DSTV and other networks.
His OAFP Academy has produced many stars, and lately, it has been discovered that a lot of younger, up-and-coming stars love to join the industry through his academy because of how he gives them opportunities to showcase their talents by featuring them in his movies and assisting them in producing their own films. These and many other reasons have made Odunlade remain a force in the industry.
What has kept him going and made him remain relevant? Why did he start the OAFP Awards? These and many more questions the star icon provided answers for in a chat with City People Head of TV, Sunday Adigun.
Enjoy the conversation.
This year marks the 28th year since your journey into the make-believe world started. How has it been, keeping your relevance and waxing stronger for 28 years?
To remain relevant in life is not by one’s power. I always say it’s the power of God. It’s the power of God that makes you last in everything you do. Maybe because I believe in God and because of my background. The major thing is hard work—always remember, “What am I going to do to challenge myself? What can I do that people will see differently from what they have been seeing about me?” Your ability to sit down and work with a good team, working with people who are very good in their profession, sitting together and creating a difference that people will see goes a long way. Then prayer is the master key. I always say this: If you don’t work hard, there is nothing to pray for. You can’t be asking for God’s help while you are lazy. So, hard work and prayer will sustain you in anything you are doing.
In your 28 years of acting, what are the things that make you happy and the things that make you sad?
I have so many things that make me happy—numerous things. I’m always happy when I’m around great people. I’m always happy when I’m doing something that I really want to do. Especially, I’m always happy whenever I’m on set. It’s always very easy for me to relate to people because it is what I love and enjoy doing. So, any time I’m on set or around wonderful people, I’m always happy. As for what makes me sad (smiles), God forbid sadness! Though one can experience challenges at work or on location, you just have to keep
going. If you fall, you rise again. There is nothing you will experience in a job that should make you sad. God will not allow us to experience what is beyond our power. As I said, God forbid sadness. I’m always happy doing what I know best.
Undoubtedly, OAFP has become a household name. Tell us the great things you’ve achieved with it and why the annual OAFP Awards.
There is no one who will not achieve great things with a good name. The number one thing in life is to protect your name. Always remember, people are watching you. Always remember that your name is going to provide many things for you. I may not mention names here, but I know my name has opened so many doors for me that I will never forget, and I know it’s a great success for me today. What has kept me going and given me what I have today is my name. If you are fortunate to have a special name, please protect it. Your hard work will keep that name going. I’ve achieved a lot through my name, Odunlade Adekola.
And why the OAFP Awards?
Number one, my thought is to celebrate the people behind the camera. I’ve been thinking about it for the past 8 years that we don’t really appreciate or recognize the people behind the camera because I’m also one of them. I’m a director, producer, and singer, so I understand what is going on behind the scenes. I started as a production manager, so I understand every bit of the crew’s work, and I feel they aren’t celebrated enough. They’re not usually recognized, and that gave birth to the OAFP Awards.
What can we expect from this year’s OAFP Awards?
Yes, it will be just like what has happened in the last two years. I promise you it’s going to be a wonderful one, in Jesus’ name. I’m sure you’ll see new things.
What has made us different from others is sincerity. I am a very disciplined, straightforward person. If my blood brother is in any of the categories and he’s winning, he won’t know until we announce it in the hall. That’s how principled I am. I want everyone to know that the OAFP Awards are about uniqueness, true rewards, and fairness without bias. By the grace of God, people have been talking about its standards and uniqueness. I want them to see the continuation of that uniqueness. So, it’s going to be a wonderful one in Jesus’ name. With all we’ve put in place, I’m sure it’s going to be a fantastic program. I want all the crew to keep doing what they are doing. People are watching them, and there’s a great reward for them.