Veteran Nollywood comic actor and motivational figure, Abimbola Kazeem, popularly known as Jigan Babaoja, has shared a deeply personal story of overcoming body shaming and societal stigma tied to his physical disability. In a recent appearance on Oyinmomo TV, Jigan spoke candidly about the emotional and psychological battles he endured during his formative years, and how he conquered the negativity with self-acceptance and resilience.
Born with a limb condition that affects his mobility, Jigan became a familiar target of mockery and name-calling as a child. However, rather than allowing the constant taunts to define his identity, the actor said he developed mental fortitude early in life—choosing to focus on what he could do rather than what he couldn’t.
“What happened is I took these things off my mind since I was eight years old,” Jigan revealed. “I don’t even see myself as disabled. The only time I remember I have a limp is when I look in the mirror.”
Despite his condition, the actor noted that he can run, jump, play football, and even humorously added that he performs better than able-bodied individuals when it comes to intimacy. His light-hearted but powerful narrative reinforces the fact that disability is more about mindset than physical limitation.
Jigan, who shot to fame with the viral “So Mo Age Mi” challenge in 2018, explained how he turned the tide by learning to laugh at himself before others could. This disarming tactic, he said, rendered many insults ineffective.
“Before you abuse me, I would have abused myself. There is nothing anyone can say to me that would pain me,” he said.
With over a decade of experience in the Nigerian entertainment industry, Jigan has leveraged his platform to promote body positivity and inclusivity, especially among people living with disabilities. He urged others facing similar challenges not to cower in self-pity but to rise above societal limitations and embrace their uniqueness as divine design.
“My advice to people like me is that they should observe my life. They should accept that that is how God does His thing,” he added.
Jigan’s story continues to resonate with thousands across Nigeria and the diaspora, particularly at a time when body positivity campaigns and disability rights advocacy are gaining traction in mainstream media.
In an industry historically obsessed with physical perfection, Jigan’s rise to fame represents a paradigm shift in Nollywood—one that embraces diversity and breaks stereotypes. He joins a growing list of actors and entertainers using their platform to challenge norms and spark meaningful conversations on self-worth, representation, and empowerment.
As Jigan continues to break barriers, he is not only entertaining fans but also providing inspiration for people living with physical challenges, reminding them that their identity is not limited by what society sees, but by what they believe about themselves.
With increasing calls for inclusion in entertainment and public life, Jigan Babaoja stands as a beacon of resilience—turning pain into purpose and stigma into strength.