Sex-for-role exists in Nollywood — Abidemi Adisa

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Abidemi Adisa has spoken on the issue of sex-for-role in the entertainment industry, describing it as a real challenge that discourages many talented people from pursuing acting careers.

In an interview, Adisa said the practice should not be ignored, but noted that it is not exclusive to Nollywood, adding that both men and women can be affected.

“Sex-for-role exists and it is one of the things driving many talented people away from the Nigerian movie industry. It is not even limited to actresses; men can also be victims. But we cannot stereotype Nollywood because the problem exists in other industries as well,” she said.

She, however, said she has never personally experienced such pressure since joining the film industry, attributing it to her mindset and approach to fame.

“Luckily for me, no one has ever asked me for sex in exchange for a role because I am not desperate for stardom,” she added.

Adisa said her passion for storytelling and admiration for actors inspired her journey into filmmaking, explaining that she was drawn to how performers bring fictional characters to life.

She has since featured in several film productions and expanded her career into movie production, with projects released under her name.

The actress also revealed she is currently working on a new film titled Iku Ore, which will be shot in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The story, she said, focuses on a woman who sacrifices deeply for a friend while neglecting her own wellbeing.

Beyond filmmaking, Adisa also runs a fashion business and says she remains focused on producing quality content as she works toward becoming a leading figure in the entertainment industry.