Veteran actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has criticised what she sees as a growing culture of begging in Nigeria.
The Nollywood star believes many people have developed an entitlement mentality, expecting others to meet their needs without considering what they can offer.
Speaking on Activating Success With Love Idoko, Omotola urged Nigerians to value hard work and avoid treating other people’s resources as personal rights.
She said opportunities are often taken for granted, stressing that everyone has responsibilities and personal struggles.
“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.”
The actress explained that she does not support begging, except in extreme situations where someone’s life may be at risk.
According to her, everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their financial position.
She encouraged people to find ways to work and offer value to society.
“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.”
Omotola also reminded Nigerians that financial needs affect people at every level. She said having money does not mean someone has no personal challenges or unmet needs.
“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.”
She further warned that constant begging could affect a person’s sense of self-worth.
The actress urged people to seek alternatives before asking others for help.
“Try as much as you can not to beg and be a nuisance. Begging reduces your own self-worth. If you must beg, let it be in a desperate situation. And don’t do it with entitlement.”
Her comments have drawn attention to discussions about financial hardship, personal responsibility and social expectations in Nigeria.
