Shaffy Bello’s Candid Advice on Sex Work
Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has spoken openly about young women who turn to commercial sex work to meet pressing needs. She acknowledges that many engage in this work for survival, such as feeding their families or paying for siblings’ education.
While she does not judge those involved, Bello urges them to carry out the work with dignity and respect. She famously said, “If what you are doing now is being a ‘runs girl’ to make money, you don’t have to stay there. I understand it, I never judge. If you go be ashawo, do am well. Do it well with respect and your full‑chest.”
However, she warns against making sex work a permanent lifestyle. Bello stresses that if the work is only a temporary means to earn a living, women should plan to move on and not remain trapped in the trade.
Staying True to One’s Acting Calling
Bello also addressed the pressure on actors to become producers. She clarified that not every actor must take on production roles, explaining that acting itself gave her recognition and a platform to impact others.
She stated, “I am an actor. Every actor does not have to be a producer. I face my lane. I do what God asks me to do. And he asked me to have an impact. He gave me a platform, and after I got that platform, it became so stressful. That once in a while I would remember the days I was on my knees asking to be a household name. Now I am. He then came back and said I have given you a platform, what are you going to do with it?”
About the Author
