Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has criticised what she described as a growing culture of begging in Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace personal responsibility and avoid treating financial assistance from others as an entitlement.
The award-winning actress shared her views during a recent episode of Activating Success With Love Idoko, where she expressed concern about how some Nigerians approach others for financial support.
According to Omotola, people often take opportunities for granted and forget that nobody is automatically obligated to meet their personal needs.
She stressed that she does not support or encourage begging, except in desperate circumstances involving life and death.
“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,” she said.
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Omotola Says Everyone Has Something to Offer
The actress argued that people should make efforts to identify opportunities to work, develop their abilities and contribute value to society rather than routinely depend on others for financial assistance.
She maintained that everyone has something useful to offer, regardless of their financial circumstances.
“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 stated.
Her comments reflect her belief that individuals should explore available opportunities and seek ways to improve their circumstances instead of assuming that others must provide for them.
However, she acknowledged that having needs is not exclusive to people experiencing poverty, noting that individuals at different financial levels face challenges of their own.
‘Everybody Has Needs, Including Me’
Omotola explained that financial needs are a reality for everyone, including people who may appear successful or financially comfortable.
She cautioned Nigerians against assuming that their personal struggles give them a special right to demand assistance from wealthier individuals.
“Everybody has needs, including me. There are some needs I have that if I was entitled I would go and beg certain people,” she said.
The actress added that people should understand that everyone is dealing with personal challenges and making efforts to manage their responsibilities.
“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 added.
Her remarks highlight the distinction she draws between seeking help during a genuine emergency and repeatedly asking others for money with an expectation that they must provide it.
Actress Warns Against Begging With Entitlement
Omotola further warned that constantly depending on others for financial assistance could affect a person’s sense of self-worth, particularly when the requests are accompanied by an attitude of entitlement.
She encouraged Nigerians to make reasonable efforts to meet their needs and reserve requests for assistance for situations in which they genuinely have no other option.
“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,” the actress said.
Her comments have brought renewed attention to conversations about personal responsibility, financial independence and the social pressures surrounding money and assistance in Nigeria.
While her position emphasises self-reliance, her remarks also come against the backdrop of economic challenges that have made it difficult for some Nigerians to meet basic needs. For people facing genuine hardship, seeking help can be an important means of survival.
Omotola’s central message, however, is that assistance should not be demanded as though it were an obligation owed by others.
The actress, widely recognised for her contributions to Nollywood over several decades, has continued to share her views on issues affecting society beyond the entertainment industry.
Her latest comments are likely to generate further discussion about the balance between personal responsibility, compassion for people in need and the expectations individuals place on friends, relatives and strangers.
What do you think about Omotola Jalade’s comments? Is begging becoming a culture in Nigeria, or are economic hardships pushing more people to seek help? Share your opinion.
Daily Post — ‘Nigerians now have culture of begging’ – Omotola Jalade
