Veteran Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has expressed concern over what she describes as a growing culture of begging and entitlement in Nigerian society, urging people to seek opportunities to earn a living rather than depend on others.
The Nollywood star shared her views during a recent episode of Activating Success With Love Idoko, where she explained that she does not encourage begging except in extreme circumstances involving life and death.
According to Omotola, individuals should recognise that everyone has personal needs and responsibilities, regardless of their financial status.
She argued that people should not assume others owe them financial assistance simply because they are struggling.
She said, “A lot of Nigerians take opportunities for granted. And one thing we have to understand is that nobody owes you anything. Nigerians now have a culture of begging.
“I don’t support or encourage begging. I believe that there is no reason why anybody can’t work. There is something you can do. There is a kind of value you can bring to humanity.
“Everybody has needs, including me. There are some needs I have that if I was entitled I would go and beg certain people.
“So, don’t feel like because you don’t have money like me, you are the only one who has a reason to beg. At every level, we all have needs. But we are all struggling through it. Even if you have to beg, it should be a life-and-death situation.”
The actress maintained that everyone has something valuable to contribute to society and encouraged Nigerians to identify opportunities to work, develop their abilities and become more self-reliant.
Omotola explained that although seeking assistance may sometimes become necessary, it should be reserved for situations of genuine desperation rather than treated as an entitlement.
The actress further cautioned against repeatedly soliciting financial support in ways that could inconvenience others, arguing that excessive dependence on begging could undermine a person's sense of self-worth.
She urged Nigerians to approach situations requiring assistance with humility and recognise that others also have financial responsibilities to manage.
