Omotola Jalade
Veteran Nigerian actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, has criticised what she describes as a growing culture of begging in Nigeria, urging citizens to become more self-reliant and avoid developing a sense of entitlement.
Speaking on ‘Activating Success With Love Idoko’, the actress said people should not assume that others owe them financial support, stressing that everyone has needs 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,” she said.
Omotola argued that everyone has something valuable to offer, adding that people should explore available opportunities to work rather than depend on others for assistance.
“There is something you can do. There is a kind of value you can bring to humanity,” she stated.
The actress also noted that financial difficulties are not exclusive to people with little money, explaining that individuals at different levels of society face challenges and have needs to meet.
She said begging should only be considered in extreme circumstances, particularly when a person’s life is at risk.
“Even if you have to beg, it should be a life-and-death situation,” she said.
Omotola further cautioned against making repeated requests for assistance, saying such behaviour could undermine a person’s self-worth.
“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,” she added.