Popular Yoruba actor, Olayiwola Olasunkanmi Rasaq, known to many as Ojopagogo, has opened up emotionally about the harsh realities behind success, warning parents, particularly mothers, against placing crushing financial expectations on their children.
Speaking during a YouTube interview, the actor reflected on how the Nigerian movie industry has transformed from a passion-driven craft into a highly lucrative venture.
According to him, the days when actors struggled endlessly without financial reward are fading, as many now earn staggering sums from their work.
He said, “Back then, it was passion that kept us going. Today, acting pays big time. The beginning may be rough, but when the money starts coming, it can change everything.”
He revealed that his deep connection to culture and tradition has become his lifeline, as his talent for traditional Yoruba music continues to open doors and bring in substantial income.
From singing in films like “Agesin Kole”, “Jagunjagun”, “Anikulapo”, and “Iyalode”, among others, to advising producers on cultural authenticity, he said his craft has become more than art; it is survival and success.
But beyond the glamour and financial gains, the actor’s message took a deeply emotional turn as he addressed a growing societal concern: parents who burden their children with overwhelming financial demands.
With visible concern, Ojopagogo warned that such pressure is silently pushing many young people into desperate and illegal means of survival.
He lamented, “Some parents don’t ask where the money is coming from. They just want their children to keep bringing it. That pressure can destroy lives.”
He described the pain of seeing young people, especially those without proper support or upbringing, forced into wrongdoing just to meet expectations at home. According to him, it is often parents who failed to invest in their children early on that later demand the most from them.
In a particularly emotional note, he pointed out that many mothers, though often acting out of concern, unknowingly contribute to this pressure by demanding financial support without questioning its source.
“When we shift all our responsibilities onto our children, we push them toward things they shouldn’t be doing. And in the end, it can ruin their future,” he said.
Ojopagogo concluded with a sober appeal to parents, especially men, urging them to plan for their old age instead of relying entirely on their children.
“Prepare for your future. Don’t put your children under pressure they cannot handle. Let them grow right, not fast,” he advised.
