Funke Akindele urges youths to choose hard work over get-rich-quick schemes
Popular Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele urged Nigerian youths to abandon the get‑rich‑quick mindset and instead pursue hard work and skill acquisition. Speaking in a recent interview with Bella Naija, Akindele shared her own story of selling bed spaces at the University of Lagos to survive, sacrificing her comfort and appearance to earn an honest living. She described herself as a hustler, saying life taught her to be firm and that she is wired to work and earn a living legitimately. Akindele stressed that certificates alone are not enough; young people must acquire marketable skills so they can earn money even when formal jobs are unavailable. She warned that the temptation to earn through wayward means is strong but choosing the right path builds lasting success. Her message comes amid high youth unemployment and growing pressure to seek quick money through questionable means. By highlighting her personal sacrifices and the value of skills, Akindele offers a concrete example of how discipline and self‑investment can create sustainable income. What should you take away? Consider which practical skills you could develop today—whether vocational, digital, or trade‑based—to supplement your education and increase your earning potential, rather than relying solely on certificates or risky shortcuts.