“Faithia Balogun Came Through for Me When I Needed It Most” — Segun Ogungbe

Image: Google 

Renowned Nollywood filmmaker and actor, Segun Ogungbe, has reflected on his humble beginnings in the Nigerian film industry, revealing how financial hardship once threatened to derail one of his most important movie projects until help came from a colleague, Faithia Balogun.

The award-winning actor, widely respected for his creative storytelling and dedication to Yoruba cinema, recounted how difficult it was to complete his movie Banke Desperado due to a lack of funds. 

According to him, his passion for filmmaking kept him going even when he had to work under tough conditions with limited resources.

“Back then, I wasn’t financially buoyant, so I would shoot scenes bit by bit until I was able to complete the movie,” Ogungbe recalled. “If I was able to shoot one scene with Mr. Latin, I would shoot it and keep it till the next actor was available.”

The filmmaker revealed that producing Banke Desperado became a test of endurance and faith. With no sponsors or major financial backing, he had to rely on his savings and goodwill from friends and colleagues. Some days, he would shoot just a few scenes before running out of funds, forcing him to pause production until he could gather more money.

Ogungbe said his determination was driven by his belief in the project and his desire to tell authentic Yoruba stories. He noted that even though he faced several setbacks, he never considered giving up, trusting that divine help would eventually come.

That help, he revealed, came through actress Faithia Balogun, who stepped in at a critical moment when he was running out of options. Ogungbe praised her generosity and kindness, describing her as one of the few colleagues who genuinely supported others without seeking anything in return.

He said Faithia’s intervention not only revived his project but also reignited his hope and confidence in the industry. “Her support came at a time when I really needed it,” he said. “It reminded me that good people still exist in this business. Sometimes, a small act of kindness can change everything.”

Ogungbe’s story paints a vivid picture of the struggles many Nollywood filmmakers endure behind the scenes. While audiences often see the glitz and glamour on screen, few know the sacrifices and persistence that go into bringing those stories to life.

He noted that his early challenges helped shape him into the disciplined filmmaker he is today, teaching him lessons in patience, gratitude, and resilience. “Those moments built me,” he said. “They taught me that success doesn’t come overnight — it’s a product of faith, consistency, and the people who believe in you.”

Today, Segun Ogungbe stands as one of the respected figures in Yoruba cinema, known for his creative works and mentorship to younger talents. His reflection on those difficult years serves as both inspiration and a reminder that every success story often begins with struggle.

#SegunOgungbe

#FaithiaBalogun

#ViralPost