By Karen James
In an emotional revelation, veteran Nollywood actor Fabian Adibe has spoken out about his decision to leave the Nigerian film industry, citing the prevalence of “packaging” and personal hardships he endured. Adibe, known for his remarkable performances in notable Nollywood productions, also disclosed the tragic loss of his eyesight in 2019, leaving him physically and emotionally devastated.
In a candid interview, Adibe recounted the discrimination his wife faced in the industry due to tribalism. He expressed his disappointment in the divisive attitudes that now plague Nollywood, reminiscing about a time when actors worked harmoniously, regardless of their origins or tribal affiliations. He disclosed how his wife had been unjustly sacked in 1997 simply because she was considered a non-indigene in Enugu, despite her Igbo roots from Abia state and her marriage to a man from Imo state.
Adibe further highlighted the callousness he experienced from individuals who had once profited from his talent and presence. He alleged that many had abandoned him in his time of need, even before losing his sight. Adibe shared an incident where he informed an Onitsha marketer about his blindness, only to be callously rejected. This rejection deeply hurt Adibe, emphasizing that his decision to leave the industry was not solely prompted by his visual impairment, but also by a lack of compassion and disregard from fellow industry professionals.
Discussing the tragic loss of his sight, Adibe revealed that he completely lost his vision in 2019 due to glaucoma. Recalling the harrowing moment, he described an explosion-like sensation in his eyes while in his Enugu home. This life-altering event drastically changed Adibe’s life, leaving him grappling with his newfound disability and a sense of isolation.
Despite the hardship he has faced, Adibe expressed his appreciation for the few colleagues who have reached out or tried to maintain contact. He mentioned that some friends from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) still connect with him, although visiting him is challenging due to the distance between his home in Enugu and their locations in Lagos. However, he condemned those who had once thrived on his talents and financial success, stating that not one of them has ever bothered to inquire about his well-being.
As the interview concluded, Adibe expressed his regret at the current state of Nollywood, longing for the unity and camaraderie that existed in the past. With his desire to continue acting for the sake of his talented filmmaker son, he expressed his disappointment in those who have seemingly forgotten his contributions to the industry.
Fabian Adibe’s heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many veterans in the Nollywood industry and the need for empathy and support within the community.
