Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Ejekwu, popularly known as Sabinus, has revealed that his father was initially unsupportive of his decision to pursue comedy as a career.
In a candid interview with VJ Adams, Sabinus explained that his father had envisioned him becoming a lawyer. However, after failing to secure admission into law school, he instead studied Linguistics and Communication Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, where he discovered his passion for comedy and began making skits.
“At first, my dad never wanted me to be what I am today, he wanted me to be a lawyer. I tried my best but I couldn’t secure a law admission. So, I had to settle for Linguistics and Communication Studies at Uniport,” he said.
Sabinus recalled how his father reacted upon discovering his involvement in comedy:
“After I graduated, my dad never knew I was a comedian because I was hiding it. It was one more year after school that he started seeing me on comedy show posters. My sisters confirmed to him that I was into comedy. He was very furious. He fumed, ‘Which comedy? Stupid business. Look at the boy I sent to become a lawyer.’”
The comedian added that over time, his father eventually came around, giving his blessings after seeing Sabinus succeed and even gifting him money from his comedy earnings.
This revelation sheds light on the challenges many young Nigerians face when choosing unconventional career paths and the eventual pride that comes when those choices succeed.