Young And In Charge: Olufemi Afolabi

It is not everyday you read about parents who are a hundred percent behind their children's dream to act from day one, especially not in Nigeria, the parents we had growing up would have spanked medical doctor or lawyer into you before you could even speak. Our YIC for the week, is a jack of many trades and master of all, he is an actor and an entrepreneur and actively combines these with a full time government job, meet Olufemi Afolabi, young, inspiring and in charge.

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Afolabi Olufemi, I was born on the 14th of June in the late 70s. I'm the 1st of seven children.

What was growing up like for you?

I grew up with my parents, an averagely ok family, though we had our tough times but God has been faithful, my parents taught me the cold values of life and many more and they gave me freedom at an early age which has helped me so very much in my walk through life.

Tell us a little about your educational background. 

I have a diploma in International Relations and Trade Unionism from the University of Ibadan, I also have an OND and HND in Public Administration respectively from The Polytechnic of Ibadan and currently doing my masters in Public Administration(MPA) in the National Open University Nigeria in addition I also have a Diploma in Acting and filmmaking from the High Definition film Academy.

What inspired your sojourn into Nollywood?

My inspiration number 1 is God and the fact that I like to be seen,heard and I love to impact into people's lives and I've also got the gift.

How did you parents react to the news that you wanted to take up a profession that is not seen as a professional one in our part of the world?

Well I never had problems with my parents because they've always seen it in me, I've always been the one slowing down, they always say to me “Femi this is what you are cut out for, you are just wasting your time doing other things”.

Along side the acting, you are also an entrepreneur; tell us a little about that. Have you been able to mix all these with public administration?

Aside acting I am also an entrepreneur; I own a boutique and a clothing line called, A Styling Firm.

The grace of God I must say, its not been easy because acting is like a full time job on its own, sometimes you can be on location about three weeks or more, I really can't explain how I do it but God has been my help. I also have a government job added to the mix.

What has the experience been like, civil servant, acting and entrepreneurship?

Wonderful I must say, in life we learn everyday so in acting and entrepreneurship I get to meet people on daily base it gives me the opportunity to learn and I must tell you I'm a good learner.

Are there other hidden talents, which we should know about?

Yes, I sing, I write love poems.

What movies have you been in?

Scent of my desire, The Secret, Triangle, The Scam, Injured, Alpha Base, Complications, Pleasures of a Diva, Binding Duties, The Genius and so much more.

How do you handle the popularity that comes with being an actor? Do people treat you according to the role you play?

It's not been easy but God's grace is sufficient. Yes they do sometimes.

What challenges do you face as an actor and entrepreneur?

Mixing the two has been a bit difficult but thanks to God for the strength he has given me. I have people working under me so it has helped with the business aspect.

What do you love most about what you do?

The fact that I can make an impact in people’s life, the fact that people look at me and want to be like me, shows that I'm passing a positive message.

Have you ever felt like giving up on your dreams?

NO

Who or what motivates you?

I have a truckload. They comprise of people I watch and people I listen to, you also can be my motivator/mentor you know. But I love Denzel Washington.

How does your typical day go?

I work in a Government Agency apart from any other thing I do, so I go to work first thing in the morning and later in the evening I go attend to any other thing, while most weekends I'm on location.

What do you like to do for fun?

Well I love enjoying myself, so I hang out with friends, loved ones. I love listening to music, and I love dancing, and eventually play my game when I'm at home in my free time, I play games like playstation, Xbox, name it, don't try me, I love games a lot.

You have a very powerful position, as part of the media, you help inform how people think, what decisions they make etc., how do you intend to bring about change with what you do?

There are a lot of people who are not comfortable with the position they are now, but what was preached to us while we were growing up was to be satisfied with where you are, but I will say this, "it is riskier not to take a risk", there is nothing wrong with been dissatisfied with the way you are, it's not about being greedy it's just about aspiring to be something better, so in other words I intend to change the scope of my fellow youths that if you "look inwards your gift will open doors for you"

With the level of success you have achieved, we are all itching to know how old you are.

I'm in my 30s

A word of advice to young Nigerians with dreams that they are yet to or are afraid to pursue.

I have a saying that goes thus that goes thus, just do it and leave the rest to God, there are sometimes acting just comes to me, just as if I'm acting in my approach to so many things, so to my fans and young Nigerians with dreams, don't be afraid, look inwards everyone has one talent or the other, look at that thing you do without stress and go for it, your gift will always make a way for you.

The media/entertainment industry seems to be to be a money spinner now, what is your take on the industry and what advice do you have for young people that wish to go into this sector and even for those already in it?

Rome wasn't built in a day, its a process, you can't get the cash immediately. No doubt there's a lot of money in entertainment, just be consistent and when the time comes you will be overwhelmed.

Where do you see yourself on a personal level, as an actor and as an entrepreneur in the next five years?

I see myself in the next five years as part of the A list actors and A list Entrepreneur

Femi can be reached through the following means:

Phone number-08035765461

Twitter- @afolfafolabi

Facebook- Olufemi Afolabi

Instagram- Ph6343