Abidemi Adisa Reveals Why Sex-for-Role Remains a Challenge in Nollywood
Fast-rising Nollywood actress and filmmaker Abidemi Adisa has acknowledged that the controversial sex-for-role practice remains a reality in the entertainment industry, describing it as one of the challenges discouraging many talented individuals from pursuing careers in acting.
Speaking during a recent interview, Adisa said while the issue exists, it should not be used to stereotype the Nigerian movie industry because similar problems can also be found in other sectors. According to her, both men and women can become victims of exploitation in the pursuit of career opportunities.
The actress explained that despite widespread discussions about sex-for-role in Nollywood, she has never personally experienced pressure to exchange sexual favors for movie roles. She attributed this to her determination to build her career through hard work, professionalism, and patience rather than seeking shortcuts to fame.
Adisa noted that the existence of such practices has contributed to the loss of promising talents who become discouraged by unethical demands and unfair treatment within the entertainment space. She emphasized the need for integrity, transparency, and merit-based opportunities to help the industry attract and retain creative talents.
Beyond addressing industry challenges, the actress spoke about her passion for storytelling and filmmaking, revealing that her love for acting was inspired by watching talented performers bring fictional stories to life. She said the ability of actors to connect with audiences motivated her to pursue a professional career in the movie industry.
Over the years, Adisa has featured in several movie productions and has also expanded her portfolio as a producer. She disclosed that she is currently working on a new film project titled Iku Ore, which is expected to be filmed in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The project explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and personal wellbeing.
The actress reaffirmed her commitment to producing quality films while continuing to grow her brand in Nollywood. She expressed optimism about the future of the industry and urged aspiring actors to remain focused on their goals, regardless of the challenges they may encounter along the way.
