Nigerian actor and filmmaker Ibrahim Yekini, also known as Itele, has finally opened out about his pre-fame troubles.
In an interview with his colleague Biola Bayo on her podcast, Talk to B, he disclosed that he has endured hardships that nearly killed him.
He said the difficulties were so terrible that he considered returning to his mother’s womb, and he even implored a one-year-old to speak to God on his behalf.
The gifted actor described how close he was to his mother as they toiled and suffered together. His mother sold readymades while he hawked jewellery in Bauchi village.
Itele who said he has been in Nollywood since 1997 credited Papa T for helping him out a lot and listed Richard Mofe Damijo, Yomi Fash Lanso, and Adebayo Salami as his role models. He also expressed gratitude to Femi Adebayo, who he stated made great impact in his life. In Itele’s words:
“I have faced challenges that almost took my life. You know, that kind of challenges that make you wish you could run back to your mother’s womb. I suffered when suffering was still original.
Papa T was the one who God used to help me when he returned from London.
I have produced so many films that I don’t like to mention it.
There was a time when I felt I was an unlucky guy. I know it’s the grace of God but I always labored so hard. My mum was selling ready-made; I was selling jewelry. We would hawk around goods around Bauchi village.
I have been in the industry since 1997.
Richard Mofe Damijo, Yomi Fash, and Adebayo Salami are my role models. Adebayo Salami is a fortunate man and so are his children. Femi Adebayo has made a great impact on my life. I would love to say a big thank you to Uncle Femi thank you for all you do”.
