Adebayo Salami, the veteran Nigerian actor popularly known as Oga Bello, has openly discussed his unique life philosophy, revealing a conscious decision to prioritize investment in his children over the accumulation of material assets. At 73 years old, Oga Bello shared in a recent interview that while many of his peers focused on building houses and amassing wealth, his primary objective was to lay a strong, enduring foundation for his offspring. He expressed profound contentment with his choices, stating, "I invested in my children instead of building houses. That is the reason I’m not as wealthy as some of my mates. I’m content with my life because I know I have done what’s most important."

The esteemed actor, who is a father to 18 children, including the celebrated actor Femi Adebayo, emphasized his deliberate dedication to providing them with quality education and instilling strong values. He ensured that his fame did not dictate their upbringing, making sacrifices to give them a good education even when resources were limited. Oga Bello firmly believes that "training a child is better than building houses," a principle he diligently applied throughout his life.

For Oga Bello, the true measure of his success as a parent is vividly reflected in the well-being and achievements of his children. He finds immense joy and pride when others commend his children for their good behavior and accomplishments, considering this far more rewarding than owning numerous properties. His son, Femi Adebayo, is a notable example of this success, along with his other thriving children.

Furthermore, Oga Bello elaborated on his strict policy regarding his children's entry into the acting profession. Despite his own prominent status in the industry, he never encouraged them to join him prematurely. His steadfast rule was that education must come first, famously telling them, "If you fail in education, don’t come to me about acting." He insisted that even Femi completed his academic pursuits before embarking on an acting career.

Reflecting on the evolution of the Nigerian movie industry, Oga Bello noted significant transformations since he began his career in 1964 with the Young Concert Party, which later evolved into the Awada Kerikeri Organisation. He reminisced about an era where acting was purely driven by passion, with minimal financial incentives but profound dedication. He contrasted this with the contemporary landscape, acknowledging the increased financial opportunities but also lamenting a perceived decline in discipline within the industry.

At 73, Oga Bello conveys a deep sense of fulfillment and an absence of regrets. He cherishes his peace of mind, asserting that while he may not be a billionaire, witnessing his children's success is his greatest blessing. This perspective starkly contrasts with some of his peers who may possess extensive material wealth but perhaps not the same profound satisfaction regarding their children's flourishing lives.