When I Went For NYSC, I Was Retained As a Dancer; But Most of The Dancers Were Driving Okada- Arukwe

NEWS HUB CREATOR • 1h ago

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has revealed why he declined an opportunity to continue working as a dancer after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Minna, Niger State, saying the prospect did not align with the future he envisioned for himself.

Arukwe made this known during an interview on CreativiTea with Linda on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while recounting his early experiences in the performing arts and the decisions that shaped his journey into the entertainment industry.

The actor explained that he was retained as a dancer at the UK Bello theatre in Minna after serving as a corps member. However, despite the opportunity to continue working with the theatre, he began questioning whether the path would lead him towards the future he desired.

According to Arukwe, many of the dancers at the theatre relied on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, for transportation. Observing their circumstances made him reflect on his own ambitions and the kind of life he hoped to build through his talent.

He explained that although he had a longstanding passion for the performing arts, he did not believe that remaining in that particular situation was consistent with the aspirations he had for his career.

Arukwe’s account offers insight into the difficult choices he faced while pursuing his ambitions, particularly at a time when he was still trying to establish himself professionally. Before becoming widely recognised in Nollywood, the actor explored different opportunities in the performing arts while navigating uncertainty about his future.

Recounting the experience, he said, “When I went for NYSC in Minna, I was retained as a dancer at a theatre called UK Bello. They wanted to retain me, but the problem is that most of the dancers were using Okada (motorcycles). I said to myself, ‘This is not what God has called me to be. This is not the dream I have for my life.”

His remarks highlight the importance he placed on his long-term aspirations, as he continued searching for opportunities that aligned with his vision for his future in the entertainment industry.