“I could have been wayward to earn a living” – Funke Akindele reflects on life struggles

Long before she became one of Nollywood’s biggest names, Funke Akindele says she was simply doing whatever honest work she could to get by.

Speaking during an interview with BellaNaija, the actress and filmmaker looked back on her younger years and shared how she found different ways to support herself while studying at the University of Lagos. One of those hustles, she revealed, was selling bed spaces to fellow students.

“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”, she said.

For Funke, those experiences shaped the person she is today. She explained that life taught her to stay disciplined, remain focused and never shy away from hard work. Rather than waiting for opportunities to come, she believes in creating them.

Using her own journey as an example, the filmmaker encouraged young Nigerians to invest in learning practical skills that can provide an income, especially during difficult times. According to her, having something valuable to offer can make all the difference when regular  jobs are hard to find.

“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.

Her story is a reflection that every successful journey often begins with determination, persistence and a willingness to work honestly, no matter how humble the starting point may be.