Why we beg for money, cars, houses — Veteran Nollywood stars

Over the years, many entertainers, especially veterans, have come to the public space to beg for financial assistance to take care of their health, family and other responsibilities. In recent times, some of these entertainers have pleaded with their fans to help them with homes and cars. And luckily for them, their fans have come to their aid, with some buying them houses and cars; while others doled out cash gifts. Saturday Beats’ Oghenovo Egodo-Michael takes a look at some entertainers who have been in this situation in recent timesIya GbonkanA popular Nollywood actress, Margret Olayinka, aka Iya Gbonkan, caught the attention of many after a video of her asking fans for help went viral. In the video which was posted on the Internet sometime in May, the 64-year-old actress disclosed that despite working in the movie industry for decades, she still could not afford to buy a car. Pleading with fans to celebrate her while she was alive, the actress asked for help to buy a car and complete her housing project in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. She said, “I have been acting for decades, yet I don’t have a car. I rely on buses every day. If I were to die now, they would slaughter a cow (for the funeral). Celebrate me now while I am alive. I need a car from my fans.”On June 8, 2023, a well-meaning fan and the Chief Executive Officer of Alexes Promotion, Omobolanle Olatise, granted the veteran’s wish. A car was presented on her behalf to Olayinka in Ibadan, Oyo State, by one Mustapha Jayeola.In appreciation, Iya Gbonkan stated that she would drive the car to movie locations. She said, “I pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless my benefactor richly. I promise that I will make good use of the car. I will learn how to drive the car. Even if I have to support myself with a pillow, I will do that. I also have people that can drive me. From now, the car will be taking me to movie locations.”Meanwhile, the elderly actress also received over N4m in donations for her housing project after a cleric, Prophet Agbala Gabriel, took to his Facebook page on June 6, 2023, to champion a fundraising drive for her. The next day, Gabriel stated that some money had been raised. He wrote, “N4.1m for Iya Gbonkan’s house. Work has started already.”Thanking everyone who contributed money, Iya Gbonkan said, “I am thankful. I don’t have power but you all are my backbone. You will not get tired. My matter will not get you tired, and you will not be indebted for the good things you are doing to me. In the name of God, you will have enough to spend.”