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 redirected the course of his career.
Oyetoro, a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Theatre Arts at the Lagos State University of Education, said his childhood ambition was inspired by watching aeroplanes fly over his parents’ village in Iseyin, Oyo State.
According to him, he imagined becoming a pilot because the profession would allow him to travel in the aircraft he admired as a child.
However, his interest in acting developed during his secondary school years after he joined a dramatic arts club and began watching actors on television.
After secondary school, Oyetoro joined Akewebede Theatre, a professional theatre group in Iseyin, where he participated in various productions. He said those experiences helped him discover his talent and passion for theatre, eventually leading him to abandon his childhood ambition of becoming a pilot.
His acting career received a major boost after he moved to Lagos and co-created the comedy series House Apart with his friend, Gbenga Oyedapo. Oyetoro played Saka, while Oyedapo portrayed Sule.
The popularity of the series made the name “Saka” closely associated with Oyetoro, although the actor said he never imagined the character would attain such widespread recognition.
He recalled that his early involvement in theatre and television was motivated largely by passion rather than financial gain, noting that he was not paid for the first 26 episodes of House Apart but continued because of his love for acting.
Oyetoro’s popularity grew further following his appearance in a telecommunications advertising campaign associated with the popular phrase, “I don port”. The campaign eventually contributed to his becoming an ambassador for MTN.
Reflecting on the transformation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, the actor said production quality and financial opportunities had improved significantly over the years.
He noted that actors and other creative professionals now have greater earning opportunities, while technological developments have also improved filmmaking and television production.
Despite the progress, Oyetoro expressed concern that some contemporary productions appear to prioritise entertainment and profit over the moral lessons that characterised the works of theatre pioneers such as Duro Ladipo and Hubert Ogunde.
The actor also said he was interested in taking on more tragic and challenging roles to change the public perception of him as primarily a comedian.
Oyetoro explained that his academic training in theatre had equipped him with experience in several areas of the profession, including acting, writing, directing, dancing, teaching and production consultancy.
Beyond acting, he 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 attributed his longevity in the industry to discipline, humility and professionalism, alongside what he described as the grace of God.
The actor, who has been married for 23 years, also acknowledged the importance of his family to his career, particularly the support of his wife, whom he said shared his vision and had supported his professional journey.
Looking ahead, Oyetoro said he was yet to achieve some of his biggest ambitions, including winning an Oscar and becoming a globally recognised actor.
Although he has featured in some international projects, he expressed hope of securing opportunities that would take his career to a much larger 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.