Kunle Afod Reveals Why He Now Publicizes His Charity Work for Nollywood Veterans

Veteran Nigerian actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afod, has opened up about his decision to make his long-standing charitable efforts toward Nollywood veterans public. For years, the 51-year-old star quietly supported elderly actors behind the scenes, offering financial and emotional assistance to colleagues who struggled after leaving the spotlight.

Speaking on the reason behind the change, Afod explained that he decided to publicize his outreach after his 50th birthday. At that time, he noticed several social media comments criticizing actors for lavish celebrations while neglecting the pioneers who built Nollywood. Many fans had expressed concerns that older stars who paved the way were being forgotten, while the younger generation seemed focused only on their own success.

This criticism struck a chord with Afod, who felt the need to show the public that he had been actively helping veterans even before turning 50. According to him, the accusations created a wrong impression that industry elders were being abandoned. To correct this narrative, he chose to make his charity work more visible so that both fans and colleagues could witness the care given to the people who laid Nollywood’s foundation.

Afod emphasized that going public with his charity work was not about seeking praise but about raising awareness and encouraging others to remember the older generation of actors. He noted that once his outreach became public, more attention was drawn to the plight of these veterans, and many of them received greater support and recognition than before.

The actor also shared that this shift has further strengthened his resolve to focus on helping veterans alone. For him, it is not just about financial aid but also about restoring dignity and offering emotional comfort to aging actors who often feel forgotten by the industry they once helped build. He believes his actions can inspire a culture of gratitude within Nollywood, ensuring that pioneers are not left to struggle in silence.

Afod explained, “When I decided to go public was during my 50th birthday. My comment section was filled with people saying, ‘They only know how to do parties. They do not take care of the old actors who paved the way in the industry.’ I said to myself, we have been doing it, but people have not been seeing it in the public space. That was when I decided to make it open, and thankfully, it has even helped the elderly ones.”

Since then, Afod has remained consistent in dedicating his efforts to supporting the veterans of Nollywood. He continues to visit, care for, and provide financial assistance to them, showing that the legacy of these trailblazers deserves to be honored. His commitment has also sparked conversations within the industry on how best to support aging actors, many of whom face health and financial challenges.

Kunle Afod’s move has positioned him not just as an actor but also as a bridge between the younger generation of Nollywood and its pioneers. His story serves as a reminder that the industry’s growth was made possible by those who came before, and their contributions must never be overlooked.