“America trained me, but Nigeria made me” — Actress Shaffy Bello says she has no desire to leave Nigeria

Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has declared that she has no desire to leave Nigeria, describing the country as her home and the place that shaped her identity despite its challenges.

Bello made the remarks during a panel discussion at “20+ Years in the Media: Real Talk with Kike @7”, where she spoke about career opportunities in Nigeria and the need for young people to believe in their potential.

The actress, who previously lived in the United States, said her experience abroad had not diminished her attachment to Nigeria, insisting that the country had given her opportunities she continued to appreciate.

“America trained me, but Nigeria made me,” Bello said.

Explaining why she had no intention of returning to the United States, the actress said she continued to discover opportunities in Nigeria despite the difficulties facing the country.

“I pray I never get the opportunity, as they call it, to go back,” she said.

“Yes, you’ll say because I’ve done it before. I’ve been there before. Yes, I agree with that. But 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.”

Encourages young Nigerians to invest in themselves

Bello acknowledged the challenges Nigerians face, particularly in electricity supply, education and healthcare, but urged young people not to allow the difficulties to discourage them from pursuing their ambitions.

She advised them to identify their talents, acquire relevant knowledge and develop the skills needed to take advantage of available opportunities.

“Look within yourself, what do you have to offer? What is in your hands?” she asked.

“Whatever it is that is in your hands to offer, study, learn and prove yourself worthy of it.”

According to the actress, young Nigerians must be willing to learn, improve their abilities and demonstrate their competence if they hope to build successful careers.

She encouraged them to focus on what they could contribute rather than allowing the country’s challenges to overshadow their aspirations.

Authenticity, faith key to lasting career

Bello also attributed her longevity in the entertainment industry to authenticity, saying remaining true to herself had helped sustain her career over the years.

The actress advised young people to maintain their integrity and avoid dishonesty, noting that authenticity made it easier to build a lasting professional reputation.

“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.

She further emphasised the importance of faith in navigating life’s challenges, urging young people to remain steadfast in their beliefs while working towards their goals.

Bello’s remarks come amid continuing conversations about migration, popularly known as “japa”, as many Nigerians seek opportunities abroad in response to economic difficulties and concerns about public services at home.