SABINUS: HOW PARENTAL PRESSURE ALMOST STOPPED HIS COMEDY JOURNEY — AND THE LESSONS FOR YOUNG NIGERIANS
Popular comedian Emmanuel Ejekwu, better known as Sabinus
Many Nigerian youths face strong pressure from their parents to pursue “respectable” careers such as law, medicine, or engineering. Popular comedian Emmanuel Ejekwu, better known as Sabinus, recently shared how this pressure nearly derailed his journey into comedy.
In an interview with VJ Adams, Sabinus revealed that his father was determined for him to study Law. Despite multiple attempts, he couldn’t secure admission. Instead, he gained admission into the University of Port Harcourt to study Linguistics and Communication Studies, where his natural talent for comedy finally found expression.
A Hidden Passion That Later Became a Career
While in school, Sabinus secretly created skits and built his craft without his father’s knowledge. For years, he balanced academics with content creation, hoping to avoid conflict at home.
However, a year after graduation, everything came to light. His father saw posters of him performing at comedy shows and reacted with anger and disappointment.
“He fumed, ‘Which comedy? Stupid business. Look at the boy I sent to become a lawyer.’”-Sabinus
The reaction reflects a common fear Nigerian parents have — that creative careers may not guarantee financial stability.
When Success Speaks Louder Than Rejection
Sabinus explained that his father’s perception only changed when his comedy began to generate income. As he started supporting the family and becoming more visible in the entertainment industry, the same father who once rejected his career became proud and supportive.
This story highlights a powerful lesson: many parents simply fear uncertainty, not their children’s dreams. When results begin to show, acceptance often follows.
Lessons for Young Nigerians and Parents
- For youths: Passion becomes meaningful when combined with consistent effort, skill, and discipline. Sabinus’ journey shows that success in creative industries is possible with dedication.
- For parents: The world is evolving. Creative careers — comedy, tech, design, music, digital content — now offer real opportunities. Supporting a child’s talent can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
Sabinus’ story is not just about comedy; it is about courage, persistence, and trusting one’s path even when others do not understand. It encourages young Nigerians to work on their dreams responsibly and reminds parents that talent, when nurtured, can become a powerful tool for success.
