America Trained Me, But Nigeria Made Me – Shaffy Bello

Veteran actress Shaffy Bello has credited Nigeria for shaping her career, stating that while she was trained in America, it was Nigeria that made her.

She made the remark during a panel session at "20+ Years in the Media: Real Talk with Kike @7."

Bello expressed that she never wants to return to the United States, noting that she has been there before and understands what it offers, but the opportunities she has seen and continues to see in Nigeria keep her rooted.

She described the country as home and the place where her career truly blossomed.

When asked what could give young Nigerians hope amid current realities, Bello said she still believes in the country's opportunities.

The movie star urged young people to look inward and identify what they have to offer, advising them to study, learn, and prove themselves worthy of their craft.

She also emphasised that authenticity has been key to her longevity, noting that lies require constant remembering while truth is easy to live with.

She said:

"America trained me, but Nigeria made me."

"I pray I never get the opportunity, as they call it, to go back. Yes, you'll say because I've done it before. I've been there before. Yes, I agree with that. But because of the opportunities I've seen in this country, and still see, I never want to go back. This is home, this is where it is."

"Look within yourself: what do you have to offer? What is in your hands? Whatever you have to offer, study, learn, and prove yourself worthy of it."

"For me to be here for so many years, first, I must be authentic to who I am. If you lie, you keep having to remember the lies; if you tell the truth, it's easy."