I could have been wayward to earn a living but I chose hard work – Funke Akindele speaks

Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has advised Nigerian youths to abandon the get-rich-quick mindset and instead focus on developing skills, discipline, and a strong work ethic.

Speaking in a recent interview with BellaNaija, Akindele said success is built through consistent hard work and capacity development rather than shortcuts.

Using her own life as an example, she recalled that while studying at the University of Lagos, she earned legitimate income by selling bed spaces to fellow students.

She added that she often sacrificed her own comfort and appearance in pursuit of honest earnings.

According to the actress, although there were opportunities to make money through dishonest means, she deliberately chose the path of hard work and integrity.

She also encouraged young people not to depend solely on their academic qualifications, urging them to complement their certificates with practical, valuable skills that can improve their opportunities and long-term success.

“I could have been wayward to earn a living but I decided to follow the right path. I was selling bed spaces in Unilag so I could survive. I was hustling. I am a hustler. That’s why you see that I am so ‘handsome.’

“I am very firm because life taught me. I can’t do otherwise. I just want to work and earn a living. I am wired like that.

“Skills acquisition is very important. As a young woman or man, you have to acquire skills so that when there is no job, you can use your skill to make money for yourself,” she stated.

Watch video below …

“I could have been wayward to earn a living but I decided to follow the right path, and that’s why I’m so handsome.

I sold bed spaces in Unilag so I could survive. I’m a hustler.”

— Funke Akindele pic.twitter.com/ihNWk0Auww

— Proper9ja Boy (@Proper9jaboy) July 15, 2026