Veteran actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has shared his thoughts on the financial realities of Nollywood, saying the late John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, became a clear example of how misunderstood the lives of actors can be.
Speaking during an interview on Udala FM, Bob-Manuel explained that although actors are paid for their work, many of them carry heavy financial responsibilities that the public rarely sees.
“Life is generally easier for female than it is for male. It’s not that Nollywood doesn’t pay, but actors have a lot of bills to settle.
“It pained me when John Okafor (Mr Ibu) fell ill before he eventually passed away. While we were trying to raise funds for his treatment, some people on social media kept asking, ‘Where is all the money he made from acting?’ They didn’t understand the realities of the profession. I didn’t even know he had married more than one wife then.”
The veteran actor said the public criticism that followed the fundraising appeal showed that many people have unrealistic expectations about the financial lives of actors, despite the pressures and obligations they face behind the scenes.
His remarks come as disagreements within Mr Ibu’s family continue to make headlines months after the comic actor’s death.
"Life is generally easier for female than it is for male. It's not that Nollywood doesn't pay, but actors have a lot of bills to settle. It pained me when John Okafor (Mr Ibu) fell ill before he eventually passed away. While we were trying to raise funds for his treatment, some… pic.twitter.com/KXAqRPpeeo
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) July 4, 2026
