The Nigerian movie industry has been hit with another emotional awakening as veteran Yoruba actor Ezekiel Atilola, famously known by his stage name Tombolo, publicly appealed for financial assistance after resorting to riding a commercial motorcycle (okada) to survive.
In a deeply moving interview shared by fellow Nollywood actor and filmmaker Kunle Afod, the veteran screen icon, whose acting career dates back to 1984, candidly opened up about his severe financial struggles and the lack of a strong support system around him.
Tombolo revealed that despite dedicating decades of his life to theatre and traditional Yoruba cinema, he has never had the financial backing to produce a film of his own. To keep his household afloat and pay his daughter’s polytechnic tuition fees, he had to sell his personal bike and take another one on an installment plan, paying ₦30,000 weekly toward a total cost of ₦1.5 million.
The actor expressed his unwavering love and faith in theatre, stating that with proper financial assistance from generous fans and well-wishers, he could step back onto movie sets, produce original content, and live a life of dignity.
The heartbreaking video has sparked passionate reactions across social media platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook, with fans urging Nollywood stakeholders, guild leadership, and benevolent Nigerians to rally support for the aging star.
How do you think the Nigerian film industry can better support veteran actors in their later years? Share your thoughts and comforting words in the comment section below!
