‘You can’t be too serious to succeed in Nigeria’ – Deyemi Okanlawon

Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has shared a blunt opinion about what it takes to succeed in Nigeria, saying people sometimes have to hold back their intelligence to fit into the country’s reality

Deyemi said the environment does not always reward people who are overly serious or intellectual, insisting that adapting to the way things work has become necessary for many.

He said:

“In a country where mediocrity reigns, In a country where mumu is the order of the day, you can’t be too serious. I joked in a country of mad people, you can’t be same and you’re going to succeed.

”I have realised that you have to tone your intellect down a lot to succeed here.”

The actor said his experience has led him to believe that intelligence alone is not enough, adding that people often have to adjust the way they present themselves if they hope to make progress.