Uncle Saka don port to 50. The popular actor and MTN ambassador recently celebrated his birthday and granted an exclusive interview. This is what he said
How do you feel being celebrated at 50?
I feel so cool. I feel grateful to Almighty God for giving me the grace to reach 50. I know that many people have gone even without reaching the age of 20. 50 years marks a new beginning and I thank God that today I can be alive to see 50.
How did acting begin for you?
As an aspiring actor, when I finished secondary school, I started with a local theatre group in my town, Iseyin. From there, I went to University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University to study Dramatic Arts for my first degree. I later went to University of Ibadan for my Masters degree in African Studies. I am presently pursuing a PHD programme in Performance Studies at the University of Ibadan. I’m sure you already know that I also lecture in the Theatre Arts Department of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. During all that process, I got myself involved in different productions on TV, film and radio. It’s been very interesting so far and I thank God for giving me the grace to increase in my chosen field.
How has the journey been so far?
I must say it’s been quite a ride with so many years of sacrifices. I thank God that he has given me the grace to go through all of the challenges and to achieve the little that I have through these years. I know there is still a lot to achieve but it’s been great journey so far.
How was growing up for you?
I come from a very humble background. I grew up in a village in Iseyin, that’s Oyo State. My parents were farmers. They taught me to be contented with what I have. I am who I am because of the values that they have impacted in me. I just thank God that I’m a different story today.
What motivated your porting from Etisalat to MTN?
All I can say is that both brands, Etisalat and MTN are fantastic brands and they are my friends.
Why do you think these telecoms companies have chosen you?
I really don’t know. I was just busy doing my thing and then they came. I believe everybody aspires for good things. We all desire for an elevation in status, but how it may come, we sometimes don’t know. The only explanation I can give is to say that it has been the grace of God.
How much did you get for the MTN deal?
I would not talk about that. I would only talk about that much later at the appropriate time.
Do you think people now celebrate and recognize more for your MTN endorsement than for your acting?
I think it more of what I have been doing and God’s grace. I think it is more of everything. And I’m lucky to have worked with MTN and Etisalat
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How much of an influence has your wife been to your success?
I have a very beautiful woman for a wife. A woman who has made the house my home. Every time I go out, I want to go back home. I always feel happy to go home. She’s always been there for me. She’s more of my friend, my mother, my sister, everything. I thank God who has given me the grace to have a woman who shares my vision.
The greatest mistake anybody can make in this world is to marry a woman who does not share in his vision. God has given me that grace to marry a woman who shares my vision. The things I do, I do them without any problem. My home is stable and my job is going on well.
As a lecturer, do you ever find yourself in a position where your students do not take you seriously because of your comic roles on TV?
My students understand the difference between acting and real life. They are Theater Arts students of course and so they should know better. They know the difference between Saka and Mr. Oyetoro. Saka is the actor, while Mr. Oyetoro is the lecturer. They have learnt to always draw a line between the two.
Now that you are 50, what should your fans be expecting from you?
They should expect more productive and positive contribution to the industry from me. I really want to go into television production. I know there are challenges in making films in Nigeria, but basically I am more comfortable with television production. Already we have started with a television production and we hope to put it on air before the end of this year.
