Actress and filmmaker Fisayomi Amodemaja, popularly known as Fisayo Abebi, has urged young actors to build strong personal brands and rely on their talent rather than fame or social media visibility for a sustainable career in Nollywood.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Abebi, who began acting as a child before moving into filmmaking and production, said having a distinct identity was essential for anyone seeking longevity in the industry.

“As an actor, you should have a brand. You should have something that makes you different. Your talent should be able to speak for you wherever your name cannot speak for you,” she said.

She also stressed the need for dedication and readiness to handle the demands of the profession.

“Any young actor coming into the industry has to know that it is time-consuming, and you have to be fully ready to be diligent and ready for the stress,” Abebi added.

The actress reflected on her own experiences, noting that growing up in the spotlight came with pressure, particularly from being recognised for a character she played as a child.

She credited her family and friends with helping her navigate the attention and remain grounded. Her mother, she said, played a key role by helping her understand that she was separate from the character audiences associated her with.

Abebi also spoke about the challenges of combining her acting career with university education, describing it as stressful at times.

“Sometimes I might have to refund or sometimes I might have to go to the set after finishing my exam. So, that can be very stressful,” she said.

She noted that her journey in the industry had taught her to take risks and build confidence in herself.

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has revealed that she spent several months struggling with severe pain and mobility challenges that left her dependent on a wheelchair.

The actress shared the details in a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday as she marked her 25th birthday, which she described as her “Silver Jubilee.”

Appearing in a wheelchair, Daniels explained that her prolonged absence from social media was due to the health difficulties.

“I know many of you may be surprised seeing me in a wheelchair. Well, welcome to another chapter of my life,” she said.

She stated that the problem began as a minor issue but gradually became more serious, eventually limiting her freedom to move around as she pleased.

“For several months now, I lost my freedom to move around as I please. It started as something minor, very minor, but eventually led to this,” Daniels said.

According to her, the condition took a major turn after the last public gathering she hosted, a Children’s Day carnival. She said she underwent repeated medical tests during the period and joked that she had started calling herself a “lab rat.”

“The pain became excruciating. Sometimes I find myself walking well, and sometimes I just can’t move. I cried,” she added.

Despite the challenges, the actress said there had been significant developments in her recovery, which encouraged her to share the update publicly.

“Well, me sitting here today, in front of this camera, sharing this with y’all, it’s because there’s been some really significant developments in my recovery. And I say, thank you, Lord,” she said.

Daniels did not disclose a specific diagnosis or the nature of the treatment she is receiving. She expressed gratitude to God and prayed for calm as she entered a new phase of her life.

Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has warned Senior Secondary School Three (SSS3) students against distractions, unhealthy friendships and excessive attention to social media, urging them to make decisions that support their long-term goals.

Jegede gave the advice on Wednesday during a Campus Flaws Awareness programme organised for final-year secondary school students in Lagos by the Etiquette Poise and Protocol Resource Academy, led by Keji Oladimeji.

The programme, held at Trinity University, Yaba, was designed to prepare students for the challenges they may encounter when they enter tertiary institutions, including peer pressure, social vices and decisions that could affect their academic and personal development.

The actress told the students that their choices at this stage of life could influence their future, encouraging them to think carefully before acting and to consider the kind of people they wanted to become.

She cautioned them against sacrificing important goals to fit in with friends or enjoy temporary pleasures, stressing that they should recognise when entertainment and social activities begin to interfere with their priorities.

Jegede also urged the students to be deliberate about the company they keep, warning that not everyone who appears friendly necessarily has their best interests at heart.

On social media, she advised them to pay attention to the content they consume and the material they share online, noting that their digital habits could gradually influence their behaviour and public image.

She further discouraged them from comparing their progress with what they see online, reminding them that social media does not always present a complete or accurate picture of people’s lives.

The actress encouraged the students to take their education seriously, avoid rushing into major decisions because of peer pressure and seek guidance from trusted mentors when necessary.

Also speaking at the event, Nollywood actor Tobi Makinde emphasised the importance of good character and manners, saying talent and skills could create opportunities, while good conduct could help young people build lasting relationships and advance in life.

Trinity University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Kolawole, said the institution was committed to preparing students for higher education and life beyond the classroom. He highlighted its academic programmes and the Trinity University Skills Acquisition Academy, which provides opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial and employable skills.

The Registrar, David Oyejide, also spoke about the university’s academic and character-building opportunities, while Oladimeji said the awareness programme was intended to help students recognise potential pitfalls on campus and prepare for a successful transition into tertiary education.

The event featured a stage play on the theme Campus Flaws, depicting the consequences of poor decisions and involvement in social vices.

Jegede’s message centred on self-awareness, responsible decision-making and the need for young people to protect their future by balancing social activities with their education and personal ambitions.