Uzor Arukwe shares how being fired changed his life

By Aluko Adeyemi

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has opened up about one of the most difficult moments of his life — losing his job at Etisalat Nigeria — and how the setback ultimately pushed him toward a successful acting career.

Speaking during a 2024 interview on the WithChude podcast, Arukwe revealed that he was dismissed from the telecom company in 2012 after taking responsibility for an issue within his department. At the time, he was leading a team and had been on track for a promotion after years of steady career growth.

“I was fired from Etisalat… something happened in my department and I had to take the fall as the leader,” he said, describing the experience as both shocking and devastating.

According to the actor, the timing made the situation even more painful. Having risen to a specialist level and anticipating a managerial role, the sudden job loss stripped him of stability and confidence.

“It was one of the hardest things ever. They stripped me of everything that makes you think you have a job,” he added.

Following his dismissal, Arukwe faced a prolonged period of uncertainty. He remained unemployed for about a year and struggled to find his footing, even as he attempted to break into Nollywood. Early acting opportunities were scarce and poorly paid, with the actor recalling that he sometimes earned as little as ₦1,000 or nothing at all for roles.

Despite the financial hardship, he continued to pursue his passion. Years later, he returned to paid employment before making a life-changing decision in 2018 to quit and focus entirely on acting.

“I left my company in April 2018 and got my first major gig in August. At that time, I was broke… it was so bad I was saying prayers at noon,” he said, reflecting on the intensity of that period.

That breakthrough marked a turning point. Since then, Arukwe has steadily built a name for himself in Nigeria’s film industry, starring in productions such as Unspoken Truth, Code Wilo, and A Tribe Called Judah.

His performances have also earned him recognition on major platforms, including nominations at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, further cementing his place as one of Nollywood’s rising stars.

Today, Arukwe’s story stands as a testament to resilience and reinvention a journey from job loss and financial struggle to national recognition. His experience highlights how unexpected setbacks can sometimes serve as the catalyst for pursuing purpose and achieving long-term success in entirely new paths.