Popular Nigerian actor and academic, Hafiz Oyetoro, better known as Saka, has revealed that he initially wanted to become a pilot before his passion for theatre eventually changed the course of his career.
Oyetoro, who is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Theatre Arts at the Lagos State University of Education, said his childhood dream was inspired by watching aeroplanes fly over his parents’ village in Iseyin, Oyo State.
According to him, he initially aspired to become a pilot because he believed it would allow him to travel in the aircraft he admired as a child.
However, his interest in acting grew during his secondary school days when he joined the dramatic arts club and began watching actors on television.
After completing secondary school, he joined Akewebede Theatre, a professional theatre group in Iseyin, where he performed in different productions.
It was through those experiences that Oyetoro discovered his talent and passion for theatre, eventually abandoning his childhood ambition of becoming a pilot.
His acting career later received a major boost after he moved to Lagos and co-created the comedy series House Apart with his friend, Gbenga Oyedapo.
Oyetoro played the character Saka, while Oyedapo portrayed Sule. The series became popular among television viewers, and the success of the character eventually made “Saka” almost synonymous with Oyetoro’s identity.
The actor said he never imagined that the character would become so popular, noting that his early involvement in theatre and television was driven mainly by passion rather than financial gain.
He recalled that he was not paid for the first 26 episodes of House Apart but continued because of his love for acting.
Oyetoro’s popularity soared further after he featured in a telecommunications advertising campaign that became famous for the phrase, “I don port.”
He later became an ambassador for MTN, a development he described as a major turning point in his career.
The actor explained that although many Nigerians initially believed he had been an ambassador for Etisalat before moving to MTN, he was actually a model working for an agency handling the company’s account.
He said an advert he featured in eventually caught MTN’s attention, leading to his endorsement deal with the telecommunications giant.
Reflecting on his career, Oyetoro said the Nigerian entertainment industry had undergone significant changes, particularly in production quality and financial opportunities.
He noted that actors and other creative professionals now earn considerably more than they did in the past, while technological advancements had also improved filmmaking and television production.
However, he expressed concern that contemporary productions sometimes place greater emphasis on entertainment and profit than the moral lessons that characterised the works of pioneers such as Duro Ladipo and Hubert Ogunde.
Despite being widely recognised for comedy, Oyetoro said he would like to take on more tragic roles to challenge the public perception of him.
He explained that his academic training in theatre had exposed him to different aspects of the profession, including acting, writing, directing, dancing, teaching and production consultancy.
Beyond acting, the theatre scholar said he had spent about 25 years teaching and had contributed to the development of students who have gone on to become successful theatre practitioners and professionals in other fields.
He also attributed his longevity in the industry to discipline, humility, professionalism and what he described as the grace of God.
Oyetoro, who has been married for 23 years, said his family had also played an important role in his career, particularly because his wife shared his vision and supported his professional journey.
Looking ahead, the actor said he was yet to achieve some of his biggest ambitions, including winning an Oscar and becoming a globally recognised actor.
He said he had featured in a few international projects but hoped to secure opportunities that would take his career to a much bigger global audience.
Oyetoro said he ultimately wanted to be remembered as a complete theatre practitioner, dedicated lecturer, disciplined actor and responsible family man who put God first in his life.