Popular Nollywood makeup artist, Hakeem Onilogbo Ajibola widely known as Hakeem Effects has opened up about his difficult childhood and the emotional toll it took on him.
Speaking during an interview with Talk To B, he shared how poverty and rejection shaped his early years and later motivated him to succeed.
“In 1999, my dad could no longer afford to take care of the kids anymore, and he didn’t care about me because I was stubborn,” he began. “Then, at Sacred Heart Hospital, I met some guys because my mom used to sell in front of the hospital. They were patients at the hospital and they encouraged me to come to Lagos because I was vibrant. Because I used to hawk, they thought I was bigger than that.”
Akeem recalled how, despite his ambition, he struggled with self-esteem, especially when it came to relationships.
“All my mates had a girlfriend but I didn’t. Anytime I walked up to a girl to ask her out, she would tell me I should be ashamed of myself because I hawk oranges. Every lady I approached would call me an orange seller. As such, I couldn’t meet any other girl because my self-esteem was low.”
His story reflects the harsh social judgment faced by many young hustlers who are trying to rise above their circumstances.
Today, Akeem is recognized in the Nigerian entertainment industry for his remarkable makeup artistry and transformation skills.
