Actor and media personality Tobi Bakre has emphasized the importance of working with women in the entertainment industry, crediting female collaborators for his professional growth and creative success. Speaking on a recent episode of Mentality With Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Bakre made it clear that gender should not be a barrier in professional settings, especially in creative fields where collaboration drives innovation. He stated that refusing to work with women may hinder personal and career development, urging individuals to embrace inclusivity for better outcomes.
Bakre highlighted that women have played a pivotal role in shaping his journey in the industry, noting that he has worked with more women than men throughout his career. “If you don’t want to work with a woman, I don’t believe you’re ready to grow in life. Women are so powerful. Thank God for women,” he said. His statement underscores a growing recognition of gender equality in Nigerian entertainment, where women are increasingly taking on leadership and creative roles.
He explained that his approach to work is rooted in productivity and creativity, not gender. “I don’t see gender. For me, work is work because I came into the industry with the thirst to get stuff done. Let’s get the work done. Let’s shoot the shots. Let’s create. If I want to jump, how high can I jump?” Bakre stressed that his focus has always been on achieving results and pushing creative boundaries.
According to him, many of the women he has collaborated with share this mindset, fostering environments free from ego and bias. “A lot of the women I worked with welcomed that mentality with open arms. There was no ego,” he added. This mutual respect and openness to ideas have contributed to successful projects and meaningful partnerships.
Bakre also praised female directors he has worked with, noting their emphasis on teamwork and idea-sharing. “A lot of the directors I’ve worked with would say, ‘You have an idea? What’s your idea? Okay, this is what I have. Let’s balance it. Let’s push it together,’” he recalled. This collaborative spirit, he believes, enhances the quality of creative output and strengthens professional relationships.
His remarks reflect a broader shift in the Nigerian entertainment landscape, where inclusivity and gender diversity are becoming essential for innovation and growth. As more artists and creatives adopt open-minded approaches, the industry is likely to see even greater strides in collaboration and artistic excellence. Tobi Bakre’s experience serves as a reminder that success in entertainment—and beyond—often begins with the willingness to work with everyone, regardless of gender.
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