Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has said she has no plans to return to the United States, describing Nigeria as home and pointing to the opportunities she continues to find in the country.
Bello made the remarks during a panel discussion at 20+ Years in the Media: Real Talk with Kike @7, where she spoke about her career, personal values and the opportunities available to young Nigerians.
Reflecting on her experience in both countries, the actress said, “America trained me, but Nigeria made me.”
She explained that she had no desire to return to the US, citing the opportunities she had discovered and continued to see in Nigeria.
“I pray I never get the opportunity, as they call it, to go back,” she said.
“Because of the opportunities that I’ve seen in this country, and I am still seeing, I don’t ever want to go back. This is home, this is where it is.”
Although she acknowledged challenges in Nigeria, particularly in electricity, education and healthcare, Bello urged young people to focus on developing their abilities and making meaningful contributions to society.
“Look within yourself, what do you have to offer? What is in your hands?” she asked.
She encouraged young Nigerians to study, acquire relevant skills and demonstrate their competence, stressing the importance of preparing themselves to take advantage of available opportunities.
“Whatever it is that is in your hands to offer, study, learn and prove yourself worthy of it,” she said.
The actress also attributed her longevity in the entertainment industry to authenticity and dedication, noting that remaining true to oneself was essential to building a lasting career.
“For me to be here for so many years, first of all, I have to be authentic to who I am. If you lie, you keep having to remember the lies; if you tell the truth, it’s easy,” she said.
Bello further emphasised the importance of faith, urging young people to remain steadfast as they pursue their ambitions.
Her comments underscored her confidence in Nigeria’s potential and her belief that young people can build successful careers at home by developing their skills, staying authentic and making the most of available opportunities.
