“I Am Not Saying I Know How To Do Everything, I Just Do Not Want To Die” – Jide Kosoko

According to a report by The Punch on Friday, October 23, 2026, Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has opened up about his financial difficulties following the poor commercial performance of his film, Eleko: Oba Esugbayi, which reportedly cost more than ₦300 million to produce.

Kosoko made the disclosure in an interview with African A-List, published on October 17. He explained that the film’s earnings were insufficient to recover the production expenses, leaving him facing financial obligations to investors.

The actor clarified that the money used to finance the project came from investors who expected returns rather than individuals who offered financial assistance without anticipating repayment or profit.

Despite the film’s cinema release in March, its revenue reportedly fell short of expectations. Kosoko explained that the proceeds were distributed among those involved in the production, leaving the original investment largely unrecovered.

His disclosure has highlighted the financial risks associated with filmmaking, particularly when substantial production budgets are not matched by sufficient box-office earnings. Beyond his financial challenges, the veteran entertainer has also spoken about managing diabetes, a condition he said he had lived with since 1996.

Reflecting on his experience with the illness, Kosoko explained that the years he had spent managing the condition had taught him important lessons about his health. He emphasised, however, that his personal experience did not mean he knew everything about the condition.

Explaining his determination to remain alive and protect his well-being, the actor said, “I am not saying I know how to do everything, I just do not want to die.”

Kosoko has also endured significant personal losses over the years. In previous disclosures, he revealed that he had lost three wives, including the mother of his daughter, Bidemi Kosoko, who reportedly died during childbirth.

The actor’s latest revelations provide insight into the financial pressures, health challenges and personal tragedies he has experienced throughout his career.

Despite these difficulties, Kosoko remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s film industry, having built a longstanding career across Yoruba-language productions and mainstream Nollywood.

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