Nollywood veteran Antar Laniyan has opened up about the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his birth and how the experience shaped the name he carries today.
Speaking on the programme Behind The Fame, Laniyan revealed that his mother was pregnant with him for 18 months, a delay that left family and neighbours anxious. According to him, many around his mother believed the situation had spiritual roots because the extended pregnancy defied medical expectations.
He recalled that she was eventually advised to eat a small reptile known in Yoruba as “Anta”, a traditional remedy believed to induce labour. Laniyan said his mother followed the recommendation, and remarkably, she went into labour just an hour after consuming the dish.
The actor explained that the unusual remedy later inspired his mother to name him after the creature, an identity he has come to embrace proudly as a reminder of her sacrifices.
Laniyan also recounted how the name evolved during his childhood. After being teased by classmates in primary school, he added an “R” to transform Anta into the now-familiar Antar.
Reflecting on the story, the actor used the moment to underscore the depth of a mother’s love.
He said, “When a mother explains what she endured to bring you into the world, you realise how much they go through. That is why I like sharing this story, so people understand the value of a good mother.”
Laniyan, known for his decades-long contribution to theatre and film, has previously spoken about the personal challenges he faced while pursuing his acting career, including missing key family events.
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