Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has attributed his inability to speak Yoruba fluently to the community where he spent his childhood, explaining that he grew up around predominantly Igbo neighbours in Festac Town, Lagos.
Arukwe made the clarification during an interview from 2:12 on CreativiTea with Linda on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while discussing his upbringing and cultural background.
When the host suggested that he had grown up in Surulere, the actor corrected her, saying Festac was where he was raised. He explained that the strong Igbo presence in the neighbourhood meant he had little exposure to Yoruba speakers while growing up.
Although Arukwe said he understood some Yoruba, he explained that he could not speak the language fluently because of the linguistic environment he experienced as a child.
Describing his childhood neighbourhood, the actor said, “I grew up in Festac. That’s where all the Igbo people are. That’s why I can’t speak Yoruba. I understand to some extent. But yes, I grew up in Festac, and all my neighbours have always been Igbos.”
