66-year-old veteran Yoruba actress, Toyin Afolayan, popularly known as Lola Idije, has opened up on her journey as a single parent, offering accounts of the sacrifices, challenges, and resilience that have shaped her life.
In a recent interview with a fellow actress, Ayo Adesanya, the Nollywood star explained that raising children without spousal support is far from easy.
According to her, single parents are often left to bear heavy financial and emotional responsibilities alone, even when promises of support are made by others.
“As a single parent, you shoulder everything alone, from school fees to daily upkeep. Even when people promise to help, most times, they disappoint,” she said in Yoruba during the interview.
Lola Idije’s latest remarks are consistent with her earlier revelations. The actress, who lost her husband at a young age, has often spoken about how widowhood forced her to play the dual role of father and mother to her children.
In past interviews, including one with BBC Yoruba in 2021, she revealed that she deliberately chose not to remarry. According to her, she wanted to protect her children from the uncertainties of step-parenting and the risks of exposing them to an unstable home environment.
She has also shared how her faith, hard work, and determination have kept her going in the face of enormous challenges. Despite the pain, she said she found purpose in focusing on her children’s well-being and her acting career.
Building on her past experiences, Lola Idije urged women, especially single mothers, to be cautious about whom they trust. She expressed disappointment that many people who have the means to help often prioritise personal pleasures over offering genuine support.
“Trust no one. Many people can help, but they prefer to flex. Single parents are left to struggle, and it is tough,” she added.
The actress also criticised the way women in the entertainment industry are perceived and treated. She noted that actresses are often disrespected by men who approach them without sincerity.
According to her, some men even place bets with their friends on whether they can win the attention of women in Nollywood. She lamented that actresses are frequently objectified, with many men assuming they can be won over with money.
Despite these hurdles, Lola Idije praised the courage of women who continue to persevere for the sake of their families. She emphasised that resilience remains the most powerful tool for single parents navigating life’s uncertainties.
Her remarks have reignited conversations about the realities of single parenting in Nigeria, highlighting both the lack of structured support systems and the determination of women who shoulder these burdens alone.
Having spent decades in Nollywood and established herself as a household name, Lola Idije’s story reflects not only her personal strength but also the broader struggles and triumphs of many women across the country.
Her career and survival through adversity stand as a testament to resilience, endurance, and the unyielding spirit of single mothers in Nigeria.
