Nollywood actress and babymama of Nigerian singer, Portable, Ashabi Simple, has begun her National Youth Service Corps programme at the Ogun State orientation camp in Sagamu.
The actress, whose real name is Akinyanju Omobolarinde, announced her participation in the scheme in an Instagram post on Wednesday and Friday, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to fulfil a long-held personal dream.
She said it took her five years after secondary school to begin her university education and another three years after graduation to embark on the one-year national service programme.
“My mum once said to me and my sis tee, ‘Mo fe ke ka iwe, mo fe ke wo aso copper.’ Those words have continued to ring in my head every single day,” she wrote.
Ashabi described her NYSC participation as the fulfilment of a dream and a promise she made to herself.
“Today, I am reminded of one of the many reasons I went to school. It was a dream, a goal, and a promise I made to myself that I must fulfil.
“And today, here I am, proudly serving my country, Nigeria! My heart is full. My joy is immeasurable. COPPER ASHABI IN THE BUILDING!” she added.
She also thanked those who encouraged and supported her, saying her mother’s wish was becoming a reality.
In another Instagram post on Wednesday, Ashabi expressed appreciation for the warm reception she received at the camp, including greetings, hugs and free food.
“I feel so honoured today. The way everyone embraced me at the camp, greeted me warmly, hugged me and made me feel so welcomed. I was just smiling like, ‘Ah-ah! So celebrity don land here?’” she wrote.
She described the gestures as meaningful and said she did not take the support for granted.
Ashabi shares two children with Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola Badmus. Their relationship has been marked by public disagreements, including a dispute over her status in the singer’s life.
In January 2026, Ashabi and her siblings accused Portable of assault following a confrontation at his bar in Ogun State.
The singer was arrested and faced charges over the incident.
The disagreement later extended to the welfare of their children in September, when Ashabi accused the singer of failing to provide adequate financial support.
Portable subsequently demanded DNA tests to establish the paternity of the children before providing further support.