Finding greener pastures outside of Nigeria has virtually become an anthem for many Nigerians. The bid to leave the country is expressed in the popular phrase, ‘JAPA’ roughly translated to mean run out of Nigeria to seek better opportunity overseas where many believe the grass is greener.
Thus, Nigerians have found their way to almost all countries of the world in search of better lives.
Warnings by some Nigerians living abroad that they are facing hardship while trying to discourage others from joining them in foreign lands have not succeeded in curbing the exodus.
Notable Nigerian celebrities, especially in the Nigerian movie industry, popularly called Nollywood are not left out of the exodus out of the country. In no particular order, below are 15 Nollywood actors who have relocated abroad.
Stella Damasus
The marriage between Stella and Daniel Ademinokan caused a lot of stir in the social space. This was largely because Daniel was formerly married to actress Doris Simeon. Perhaps, the controversies that surrounded their relationship was one of the reasons they both relocated to the US to have a peaceful, life devoid of drama and controversies.
Pat Attah
Pat Attah
Pat Attah is a Nigerian actor, musician, and model who thrilled Nigerians with his screen appearance for many years before he left the country. He came to the limelight when he starred in the soap opera Fortunes. However, his breakthrough movie was Glamour Girlswhere he played the role of a gold digger. He also starred in other movies in which he often played the lead role. However, in the late 2000s, the handsome actor disappeared from the screen, as he left Nigeria and relocated to Hamburg, Germany where he currently resides. He is now a musician in Germany which according to him has always been his dream. However, he is still involved in acting. He is seemingly happier now than when he was in Nigeria.
Mistura Asunramu Alao
The actress, who is popular for her roles in Yoruba movies also relocated to Texas to join her husband. Mistura is now a presenter in Texas, she runs a radio and television programme and also organises events for people in the US.
The famous Nollywood actor relocated to the U.S over five years ago. He is also married to an American. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the father of two now trades in goats, cows and other animals. The news of his new trade has since generated reactions from some of his colleagues back home.
Victoria Inyama
Victoria Inyama
The Nollywood diva, who is known to occasionally make comments about Nigeria on her social media page, was a top player in the film industry before she relocated to the United Kingdom after her marriage to Godwin Okri.
Rasaq Ajao
Veteran Nollywood actor, Rasaq Ajao, popularly known as Araosan Pefueele won the US visa lottery and has since relocated to the US. The actor, who started his acting journey in 1979 now lives in New York while practising as a Nurse in Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. Although he works in Manhattan, he is based in Queen Village.
