Nigerian comedian Sammy Cole has opened up about how he turned his personal struggles and experiences with discrimination into a source of humour, strength, and motivation. Speaking on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds on Sunday, October 12, 2025, Cole shared how comedy became both a coping mechanism and a platform for empowerment, particularly for people living with physical challenges.
During the interview, Cole reflected on how society labels individuals like him, noting that he prefers the term “physically challenged” over “disabled.” He explained that humour helped him reclaim his confidence after years of being mocked because of his condition. “People used to make jokes about me unnecessarily,” he said. “So I decided to turn that into humour. I started making my parents laugh, and one of my friends encouraged me to try comedy professionally. When I showed up for my first audition, everyone was shocked, but I just wanted to give it a try.”
Cole revealed that his material comes directly from his real-life experiences rather than fictional stories. “All my jokes are based on life experience,” he said. “I don’t make things up — everything I say on stage has happened to me in one way or another.” He explained that he often performs at free shows to gain exposure and challenge public perceptions about disability. “I just want people to see there’s nothing wrong with me — don’t judge me by my appearance,” he added.
Recalling a hurtful but defining experience, Cole shared a story about being mocked during a job interview at a bank. “The CEO told me, in pidgin, ‘You wey no balance, how you want make the account balance?’” he said. Despite the insult, Cole said he refused to be discouraged. “I’ve learned to turn discrimination into strength. That’s what comedy has done for me.”
Through his resilience and humour, Sammy Cole has become a symbol of inspiration, proving that laughter can be a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment.