Popular Nollywood actor and comedian, Imeh Bishop Umoh Okon, widely known as Okon of Lagos, has shared a hilarious yet humbling tale of his early days in Lagos.
Reflecting on his struggles to maintain a polished image in the bustling city, he revealed how a Molue bus conductor shattered his self-perception with a resounding slap.
Speaking about his journey from Uyo to Lagos, Okon said:
“As a local boy from Uyo wey no get steeze, the first time I come Lagos, I feel say I don arrive London based on my level that time. I dey always nack correct starch for my okirika shirt because I get the impression to always package responsibly since I no know who go fit help me for Lagos.”
Determined to create an impression, the actor said he polished his English-speaking skills, even infusing his Ibibio accent for extra flair. But his attempt at “packaging” took a dramatic turn one day on a Molue bus.
Okon recounted:
“I dey drag change with conductor. Before I wan talk another thing, better slap cover my face. The thing wey come make me cry be say, him come tell me say change no dey on top my plenty English.”
The experience, which he humorously summarized as “NA WHO MAINTAIN STEEZE, CONDUCTOR DEY TELL SAY CHANGE NO DEY,” highlights the gritty realities of Lagos life.
While the slap might have been painful, Okon of Lagos has since risen from those days to become one of Nollywood’s finest comedic talents.
