A video showing veteran Nigerian actor Sunday Afolabi working as a commercial “danfo” driver has gone viral across social media platforms.
The widely circulated clip captures the seasoned actor, renowned for his role in the blockbuster film Owo Blow, calling out to passengers and ushering them into his bus.
Afolabi’s foray into transportation was first revealed last year during an interview with fellow actor Kunle Afod. At the time, he explained that he had taken up driving a bus as a means of sustaining himself while waiting for acting opportunities.
Afod disclosed that the vehicle was handed to Afolabi on a return basis and, during a subsequent visit, appealed to the public to assist the actor in acquiring his own bus and installing electricity in his home.
“He is only doing a job to feed himself per day. It is difficult for an elderly person to do strenuous work,” Afod said, adding that he had also supported the actor with N410,000 to ease his situation.
“I like the way he is working. I wish he were the owner of the bus he is driving. He has not finished paying for it.”
Afolabi, however, emphasised his determination not to remain idle while waiting for roles.
“One has to wake up with hope. But being hopeful does not mean you should sit around doing nothing. I prefer to work because I never know when the next acting role will come,” he stated.
The video has since generated mixed reactions online, with some users criticising filmmakers for allegedly sidelining veteran actors, while others highlighted the absence of a structured support system for ageing Nollywood stars.
The renewed discussion follows recent comments by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, who also spoke publicly about financial struggles despite his long-standing career in the industry.
Afolabi rose to fame for his portrayal of Fatai, a robbery gang member, in Tade Ogidan’s 1996 classic Owo Blow, and has since featured in several films including Luwo Gbagida, Lahira, and Children of Mud.