Popular Nigerian artiste and MTN Ambassador, Afeez Ayetoro universally known as Saka remains one of the best hands when it comes to advertisement in Nigeria. This former Etisalat Ambassador consciously ported to MTN for the next level. In this interview with Top Celebrities Magazine at the CAMA Award 2013, this astute Nollywood thespian disclosed to us that he is a businessman and he needed to move forward that is why he ported to MTN. Enjoy the excerpts…
You recently marked your 50th birthday, how is life at 50?
It has been wonderful, I don’t see myself as a 50-year old man, it is just as if I am 20years old. Why, because I am still very young and eager, I can do what a 15-year old boy can do. So, I thank God for the gift of life, life has been very good to me. Life they say begins at 50, I am just starting.
You said you are just beginning. But people believe you have really achieved in life, will you say you are fulfilled now at 50years old?
Yes, lots of people see me as one of the richest artistes in Nigeria. Well, I will not say God has not been kind to me but I still need more because I have a family that I’m catering for. To some extent, I will say I am fulfilled because I am married and blessed with kids and we can eat three square meals but if I get a better offer I am still very much alive to achieve more than where I am now. I thank God but I will like to do more for the betterment of mankind. So, I really thank God for everything.
Lots of people still wonder why you ported to MTN, people are still not satisfied with your move?
That one is a long time now, so many people keep asking me this question but if I may tell you same; in this business we are all stakeholders inside, we are all businessmen and women, if anyone wants to get the best, he looks for where to get the best, I got the best with MTN; that is why I ported to the network, if there is any network that is willing to do better I might migrate to such, so, see me as a businessman. I believe you can now understand my decision.
What can you say about your contract with MTN?
I thank God for a mobile network like MTN, they have really proved themselves beyond reasonable doubt that they remain the best when it comes to network coverage. Well, to me, I will say a big thank you to MTN.
But will you accept any other offer that comes your way now?
I am still satisfied with what I have at hand, let’s wait for such offer to come first.
You followed Ngozi Nwosu to receive an award, what is your relationship with her?
Our relationship started when we were together on set for Fuji House of Commotion, that is why I am here to celebrate an icon in the make believe business who almost died but God said she still has a lot to offer in the world, that is why I deemed it fit to come and rejoice with her.
Let’s talk about the entertainment industry particularly the Nollywood, are we getting there compared to Hollywood and Bollywood?
Well, we remain number 2 after Hollywood. So, I think we are gradually getting there but we want the government to invest more in the entertainment industry like the advanced countries where artistes are being paid royalty for their job, also in terms of standard film village which can be compared to international standard.