In a recent interview, Gold recalled how Ogogo took him under his wings at a time when others might have overlooked his potential because of his physical stature. According to him, Hassan not only trained him but also gave him opportunities to grow without fear of being overshadowed.
“He picked me, trained me, and brought me up despite my stature and height,” Gold recounted. “He never thought that if he trained me and raised me to his standard, people might start calling me instead of him. Instead, he selflessly invested in me. That’s why I’ll always answer him whenever he calls or invites me. Alhaji Taiwo is my small god in the industry.”
Beyond his admiration for Ogogo, Aina Gold also opened up about his relationship with actress Mide Martins and her husband, actor-producer Afeez Owo. He described Martins as a cheerful and free-spirited personality who has become more than just a colleague, while acknowledging Owo’s guidance and seniority in the industry despite their personal closeness.
“There are many things I love about Mide Martins,” he said. “We are very close; her husband, Afeez Owo, is like my younger brother, but he’s also my boss because he started out before me. Since we got to know each other, we’ve worked closely together on many projects, sometimes even shooting at their home. Mide and I have great chemistry—she’s so free-minded and cheerful that you can’t help but like her.”
Gold’s reflections not only highlight the importance of mentorship in Nollywood but also underscore the value of camaraderie and trust among colleagues who have become family over the years.