Renowned Nollywood actress and box-office producer, Funke Akindele, has challenged Nigerian youths to reject the "get-rich-quick" syndrome and embrace legal hard work, discipline, and skill acquisition.

Speaking in a recent interview with media outlet BellaNaija, the filmmaker used her personal journey as a powerful case study for the younger generation. Akindele revealed that while easy, compromising paths to wealth were available to her in her younger years, she consciously chose the grueling path of legitimate labor.

Reflecting on her university days, Akindele shared nostalgic memories of her early financial struggles. She disclosed how she resorted to trading accommodation spaces just to survive.

“I could have been wayward to earn a living, but I decided to follow the right path," Akindele revealed. "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’ [hardened].”

She noted that the harsh realities of her past shaped her rigid work ethic.

“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 added.

Addressing the soaring unemployment rates in the country, the A Tribe Called Judah producer warned youths against relying solely on formal educational degrees. She advocated fiercely for vocational empowerment,THENEWSCREDIT reports. 

“Skills acquisition is very important," Akindele urged. "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.”