Nollywood actor Ibrahim Yekini, popularly known as Itele, is reflecting on his struggling days after his record-breaking YouTube achievement.
On his Instagram page, he noted how he went from being overlooked to being overwhelmed, and how he grew from that boy from the hood that people once ignored.
Speaking on his success, Itele said he chose discipline over distraction and consistency over excuses….Read More….>>>
According to him, there were no shortcuts, noise, or distractions; there was focus, pressure, and faith in the process.
Using himself as an example, he told his fans that if he could ride from the hood to global impact, they could do it too.
“From overlooked to overwhelming.
That boy from the hood they once ignored chose discipline over distraction and consistency over excuses.
No shortcuts. No noise. Just focus, pressure, and faith in the process.
If it can rise from the hood to global impact, you can do it too.
Let the results speak.
Let the journey inspire.
This is proof that dreams respond to work”.
Kemi Filani reported a day back that he had topped headlines after his popular movie, Koleoso, hit 100 million views on YouTube, becoming the first Nollywood title and the first African movie title to hit this milestone. Bragging, he made it known that he is the first to pull this stunt in the history of Nollywood.
The past year was a winning year for Itele as he had celebrated his movie making the list of Nigeria’s 2025 most searched series. Itele noted how the record is loud and the growth is real. He expressed gratitude for the journey, organic growth, real audience, and impact.
He was ranked among the Top 10 YouTube creators in Nigeria. He expressed gratitude for the love, support, and the journey so far. He appreciated his Koleoso family for believing in him, standing strong and for pushing the vision.
In an interview earlier this year, Itele opened up on his pre-fame struggles, revealing he faced challenges that almost took his life. He recounted how he would sell jewellery at Bauchi village and credited one Papa T for helping him out, expressing gratitude to Femi Adebayo, who he stated had made a great impact in his life.
In 2023, he had bagged a double award, beating his senior colleagues, Afeez Owo, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Segun Ogungbe, and others as the Best Actor of the Year and Best Director of the Year.
The actor had also gotten another recognition for his hard work, as he received a leadership award for his contributions to entertainment. The award was also a reflection of his character in society and mentorship to the youth.
