A Nigerian comedian and content producer, Ijoba Lande, has claimed that he worked on a set with famous actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele for a whole month and was only paid N90,000.
The sketch creator described his experience in an internet video, saying that he had enthusiastically joined Akindele’s production team at Amen Estate without first negotiating a fee.
He had anticipated that the chance would increase his visibility and result in additional partnerships.
He claims that a team member named Wendy gave him a contract detailing his terms of payment when he first arrived on set.
“I will not lie; I was excited that I wanted to go and work with Aunty Funke, so I didn’t bother to charge her, so it won’t look like she won’t work with me again,” he explained.
He said he was surprised when he discovered the document stated his monthly salary would be N90,000.
Despite his reservations, he signed it, believing the issue might be reconsidered later.
However, at the end of the month, he received only the agreed-upon amount, with no adjustments.
“Aunty Funke Akindele, when I went to work for her for a whole month at Amen Estate. For a whole month, Funke Akindele did not give me 150,000. I swear by the name of Almighty God,” he stated.
He advised aspiring entertainers not to idolise established figures at the expense of their own worth.
“The reason why I am saying this is for all you upcoming. Anybody that wants to use you, don’t see them as God,” he cautioned.
Reflecting on his decision, he noted that a lack of formal education contributed to his situation.
“When I got there, someone who introduced self as Wendy brought a document, and I was asked to sign. After reading, I saw that every month, I would be collecting 90,000, and I was already there. It is good to be educated. Had it been I am properly educated, I wouldn’t have signed it. At first, I thought it was nothing until the month ended and they paid me 90,000 for a whole month.”