By Agatha Emeadi
Halima Abubakar is an award-winning Nollywood actor. She graduated from the Bayero University, Kano.
In 2011, she won the Afro Hollywood Best Actress award. She has not looked back in her acting career until she was struct by a health challenge. But beautiful Halima who was down with an ailment is finding her feet again gradually.
She said: “I took ill, spent hugely on medication while my trusted friends deserted me. I struggled before I came on live video, which I shared in February 2025, asking for support because I do not want to die. I pleaded that people should disregard my filtrated pictures on social media, I am still fighting a prolonged illness. I am practically begging everybody to support me so I can take my medication. I have not done a movie in almost six years. It got so bad I had to relocate to the village, but has come back to take care of myself.”
As she struggled in this interview with Sunday Sun, Abubakar called on her Kogi State governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to support her to get her health back.
How did you get into your career as an actor?
It has been over a decade now, when I was between 16 and 17 years. I was in school when I joined the industry and have not looked back since then. I was schooling in Kano and that made it off and on. It was not stable then.
How did you rise to stardom?
I was a bold and fearless good actress. Then, it was dry for some of us. But it was not the money, but the passion. I loved what I was doing because there was peace and love. In the industry now, there is this unnecessary competition and chaos. People will compete with each other without them knowing. People will go to the extent of trying or thinking of killing a fellow actor to gain his or her life without the person knowing it.
Parents then loved professions like medicine, law and engineering, what was your parents’ feeling when you showed interest in acting and now that you have made it?
My parents wanted me to be a lawyer. But I have already started acting before my university education. I eventually studied Sociology at Bayero University, Kano. They were very disappointed and it was not easy. I appreciate them because they know what they want for their child. It was my choice to be an actor. Now, with a bit of maturity, I would have studied Law as my parents wished; but acting is where I found myself. I am also a humanitarian which I find very fulfilling.
How are you coping with the rise?
There is no big deal; I am still Halima. So, coping with the rise is not easy especially when there is no money. It is a shocking development then which I called dry season. Coupled with my health challenge, I believe the dry bone shall rise again.
What opportunities have being an actress brought you?
It has brought me recognition and respect. Then, because of my humanitarian foundation, I am known differently in different vocabulary and vocation. So, I am happy to be found in various works like actress, philanthropy, teacher and learner. So, I really remain humble.
How is the society treating you?
The society has been nice to me. I am grateful to them. May God give me the resources so I can continue to give back to the society.
How was growing up? Talk about your parents, siblings and family?
Growing up initially was nice. There was money during that time. It was in the 80s then when I was probably four. It was great and later became tough. Then, we all started working, schooling and everything. My parents are amazing and wonderful. They asked us the professions we wanted and advised us to investigate very well before we go into the industry. Knowing that all roads are hard, mean and rough, the need for us to be careful. Therefore, it needs prayers. My mother would say stay alone because you need your senses, do not do friendship with every and anyone. Be careful where you go and do not go to anyone without being careful. Then, make sure you go for audition or public casting and get it on merit; because if you give it up and do not know how to act; you will not make a good actor. Therefore, read your script very well, rehearse, act well, then go and kill it. That is how to grow in life.
What advice would you give to young upcoming female actors?
The best advice is the one that an individual gives to him or herself maybe due to experience of life. Otherwise, I would ask young upcoming female actors to be focused in everything they do especially in the entertainment industry. It is like a classroom where everybody knows each other. So, many young actors usually regret their initial actions when they understand life better. I will also tell them to put in the best while acting, read your scripts very well and give it the best interpretation. The sky would be the person’s limit.