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In recent times, fans have been left shocked as some Nollywood actors have taken to TikTok Live not to promote new films, but to beg for financial support.
Veteran faces that once graced our screens in blockbuster movies are now spotted tapping phones and pleading for digital gifts from fans.
What is happening in the Nigerian film industry, and why are some of its biggest names suddenly turning social media into a hustle ground?
It all started becoming more visible when TikTok, a short-video app once reserved for dance skits and comedy, opened its Live gifting feature to creators.
Unlike Instagram Live, TikTok allows fans to send gifts during livestreams gifts that can be converted into real money.
For some actors struggling with irregular film jobs and no formal pension or support system, TikTok became a new way to cash out.
One of the most talked-about cases was that of Nonso Diobi.
The popular actor, known for his romantic and action roles in Nollywood films, was seen on TikTok Live, tapping his phone and calling on fans to support him with gifts.
The clip quickly went viral, with many Nigerians expressing shock and disappointment, saying they never expected someone of his caliber to be begging online.
Another actor, Victor Osuagwu, also went live on TikTok, engaging with fans while appealing for digital support.
But perhaps the most heartbreaking moment came when Yoruba actor Tajudeen Oyewole, popularly known as Abija, went live and began praying for fans who sent money.
He publicly displayed his bank account details, thanked donors by name, and openly asked for financial support.
For many, it was a sad sight watching a once-feared movie warlord now reduced to seeking help on social media.
The question on everyone’s lips is simple: why are Nollywood stars begging? The truth lies in the structure of the industry.
Unlike Hollywood, where actors earn royalties and enjoy pension plans, many Nigerian actors only earn per job.
Once the cameras stop rolling, so does the paycheck. And with the rising cost of living, medical emergencies, and societal pressure to maintain a celebrity lifestyle, things can spiral out of control quickly.
Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor once spoke on this issue, saying most actors fail to plan for the future.
She admitted that the industry doesn't provide long-term financial security and that many colleagues struggle behind the scenes.
Actress Jaiye Kuti also criticized the trend, saying actors shouldn’t go online to beg unless they’re seriously ill or in need. But the reality remains: not every actor is working, and not everyone gets called back for roles.
Even Chinedu Ikedieze, better known as Aki, shared his frustration recently, revealing how fans constantly flood his DMs with requests for money.
He narrated how some people boldly ask for N10 million or even more, assuming that being a celebrity means being rich. “I’m not your ATM,” he had to tell his followers, tired of the pressure.
Other actors like Margaret Olayinka (Iya Gbonkan), Fatai Adetayo (Lalude), Ganiyu Nofiu (Alapini Osa), and Olusola Olaonipekun (Pariolodo) have also cried out publicly, asking for help with house projects, medical bills, and general upkeep.
In some cases, fans responded positively, raising funds within days. But in others, it sparked debates about dignity, pride, and the state of Nollywood’s welfare system.
What is clear is that many of these actors did not expect to end up in this position. Social media, especially TikTok, has now become both a lifeline and a stage.
As some fans gift them out of love, others mock them for falling from grace. But in a country where even doctors and lecturers go on strike for better pay, perhaps these TikTok lives are just another survival strategy.
As the begging trend continues, one thing remains true: behind the glamour of Nollywood, many stars are silently battling to stay afloat.
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