‘You Don’t Have to Rely on Men to be Successful’ – Funke Akindele to Ladies
Renowned Nollywood actress and producer, Funke Akindele, has called on women to be entrepreneurial and self-reliant, emphasizing that success does not depend on men.
In a recent interview with Arise TV, Akindele highlighted the importance of women embracing entrepreneurship regardless of their circumstances. She urged women to start their own ventures and not wait for perfect opportunities.
“Whatever you have, just start something. Move. Don’t wait for the big opportunity. Even if it’s petty business, just start something,” Akindele advised.
She pointed out that successful women like Folorunsho Alakija serve as examples that women can achieve financial independence. “Who says women can’t make money? Who says women can’t have money when we have the Folorunsho Alakijas? They are made, they are okay. The other day, I was telling myself that I have to work harder to be as rich as the Alakijas. Who says you can’t have money? You don’t have to rely on a man to make it.”
Akindele also stressed the importance of contentment and focus. She encouraged young women to avoid envy and live within their means. “You have to stay focused. The little you have, manage it. Don’t be greedy. Don’t look at what your neighbors have and say you want to have what they have. When the time comes for you to have luxurious things, you’ll have them.”
Sharing her own experience, she recounted how she used to buy inexpensive handbags, but still felt confident and stylish. “I used to buy my handbags from ‘bend down select.’ I would wash and iron them and slay with them. Even with the cheap bags, I still felt good. Just believe in yourself.”
Akindele also highlighted the importance of surrounding oneself with positivity and avoiding toxic influences. “Content that would drive you crazy, people that would say things that would upset you, toxic people—avoid them. Because you’re growing in a new space. It’s what you feed yourself with that matters. It really matters because if you feed yourself with negativity, at the end of the day you would believe you can’t do it because you’re not pretty enough.”
Her message serves as a powerful reminder for women to take charge of their lives, pursue their goals, and believe in their potential to achieve greatness independently.
