Funke Akindele Says, “I Could Have Been Wayward to Earn Money But Chose Hard Work”

Popular Nollywood producer and actress, Funke Akindele, has called on Nigerian youths to abandon the get-rich-quick mindset and instead focus on acquiring practical skills, hard work, and disciplined dedication.

Speaking during a recent interview with BellaNaija, which PulseNets learnt, the award winning filmmaker reflected on her personal journey, explaining that although she had opportunities to take shortcuts to wealth, she deliberately chose the path of hard work and self development.

Akindele recounted how she sold bed spaces while studying at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to support herself financially, adding that she sacrificed comfort and even her appearance in pursuit of legitimate income.

She stressed that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient in today’s competitive environment, urging young Nigerians to complement their certificates with valuable vocational and entrepreneurial skills that can provide sustainable sources of income.

“I could have been wayward to earn a living but I decided to follow the right path. I was selling bed spaces in Unilag so I could survive. I was hustling. I am a hustler. That’s why you see that I am so ‘handsome.’”

“I am very firm because live taught me. I can’t do otherwise. I just want to work and earn a living. I am wired like that.”

“Skills acquisition is very important. 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.”

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The actress’ remarks add to the growing conversation on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and the importance of skills acquisition as unemployment and economic challenges continue to affect many young Nigerians.