SEE Saka and His Family

   it’s been difficult to track down Hafiz Oyetoro. The lecturer-actor-comedian at the centre of the MTN-Etisalat portability drama understands the importance of silence while trying not to escalate an already sensitive and precarious brand war between two giants. But it was time to break the silence when he clocked 50 recently. And he spoke with NET about his life, family, and more…



    How do you feel being celebrated at 50? I feel so cool. I feel grateful to Almighty God for giving me the grace to reach 50. I know that many people have gone even without reaching the age of 20. 50 years marks a new beginning and I thank God that today I can be alive to see 50.



How did acting begin for you?

   As an aspiring actor, when I finished secondary school, I started with a local theatre group in my town, Iseyin. From there, I went to University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University to study Dramatic Arts for my first degree. I later went to University of Ibadan for my Masters degree in African Studies. I am presently pursuing a PHD programme in Performance Studies at the University of Ibadan. I’m sure you already know that I also lecture in the Theatre Arts Department of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. During all that process, I got myself involved in different productions on TV, film and radio. It’s been very interesting so far and I thank God for giving me the grace to increase in my chosen field.

How has the journey been so far?

    I must say it’s been quite a ride with so many years of sacrifices. I thank God that he has given me the grace to go through all of the challenges and to achieve the little that I have through these years. I know there is still a lot to achieve but it’s been great journey so far.


How was growing up for you?

    I come from a very humble background. I grew up in a village in Iseyin, that’s Oyo State. My parents were farmers. They taught me to be contented with what I have. I am who I am because of the values that they have impacted in me. I just thank God that I’m a different story today.

What motivated your porting from Etisalat to MTN?

   All I can say is that both brands, Etisalat and MTN are fantastic brands and they are my friends.


Why do you think these telecoms companies have chosen you? 
      I really don’t know. I was just busy doing     my thing and then they came. I believe everybody aspires for good things. We all desire for an elevation in status, but how it may come, we sometimes don’t know. The only explanation I can give is to say that it has been the grace of God. 

How much did you get for the MTN deal?
     I would not talk about that. I would only talk about that much later at the appropriate time. Do you think people now celebrate and recognize more for your MTN endorsement than for your acting? I think it more of what     I have been doing and God’s grace. I think it is more of everything. And I’m lucky to have worked with MTN and Etisalat.