Award-winning Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele has urged Nigerian youths to abandon the pursuit of quick wealth and instead focus on acquiring valuable skills, working hard and building sustainable careers.
The filmmaker advised during a recent interview with BellaNaija, where she reflected on her humble beginnings and the sacrifices she made to become one of Nigeria’s most successful entertainers.
Using her personal journey as an example, Akindele said she deliberately chose the path of honest labour despite facing financial challenges as a student.
According to her, she could have taken shortcuts to make money but remained committed to earning a legitimate living through hard work and determination.
“I could have been wayward to earn a living, but I decided to follow the right path,” she said.
The actress recalled her days at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where she engaged in several small businesses to support herself financially while pursuing her education.
Among the hustles she mentioned was renting out bed spaces to fellow students, a business she said helped her survive during difficult times.
“I was selling bed spaces in UNILAG so I could survive,” she revealed.
“I was hustling. I am a hustler.”
Akindele added that the numerous challenges she faced while growing up shaped her character and instilled in her a strong work ethic that continues to guide her career today.
“That’s why you see that I am so ‘handsome,’” she said jokingly, referring to the resilience and toughness life has built in her.
“I am very firm because life taught me. I can’t do otherwise. I just want to work and earn a living. I am wired like that.”
The actress stressed that academic qualifications alone are no longer enough to guarantee financial stability, encouraging young Nigerians to complement their education with practical and marketable skills.
According to her, learning a skill provides an alternative source of income, particularly in periods of unemployment or economic uncertainty.
“Skills acquisition is very important,” she said.
“As a young woman or man, you have to acquire skills so that when there is no job, you can use your skill to make money for yourself.”
Akindele’s comments align with earlier revelations she made about the various businesses she operated before achieving fame in Nollywood.
She previously disclosed that while studying at UNILAG, she sold cakes, worked as a nail technician, learnt make-up artistry, handled costume design for actors, sourced filming locations and even acted as a location manager for movie productions.
Those experiences, she said, taught her the value of perseverance and self-reliance.
Today, Funke Akindele is regarded as one of Africa’s most successful filmmakers, with several blockbuster productions and numerous awards to her name.
Despite her achievements, she has consistently encouraged young people to remain patient, invest in self-development and avoid the temptation of seeking overnight success.
Her latest remarks have attracted praise on social media, with many Nigerians describing her story as an inspiring reminder that lasting success is often built on years of sacrifice, discipline and continuous learning.
Others agreed with her call for skills acquisition, noting that practical abilities can provide financial independence even in difficult economic conditions.
As unemployment and economic challenges continue to affect many young Nigerians, Akindele’s message reinforces the importance of resilience, entrepreneurship and personal development, encouraging youths to build careers through hard work rather than chasing shortcuts to wealth.
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