LagosExplorer reports:
Popular Nollywood actress and medical professional Jemima Osunde has ignited intense reactions online after making a bold declaration about her greatest fear: poverty. Speaking on the latest episode of The Culture League podcast hosted by Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface, Osunde pulled no punches as she laid bare the emotional and psychological toll poverty would have on her life.
“I can survive many things, but I can never survive poverty. I can never do it,” the 29-year-old actress said during the candid conversation. The interview quickly began trending across social media platforms, sparking debates about money, survival, and values in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Who is Jemima Osunde and Why This Matters
Jemima Osunde first gained national attention for her breakout role in MTV Shuga, and has since built a reputation for her talent, poise, and dual career as both an actress and a physiotherapist. With her rising star status and intellectual persona, many fans see her as a relatable yet aspirational figure in Nollywood.
The actress didn’t just say she fears poverty—she explained why. According to Osunde, there is no moral reward for being “real” if it comes at the cost of comfort and self-worth.
> “Being real and being poor, how does it benefit me? I don’t even want to taste poverty. I’m okay where I am. I don’t want it,” she stressed, drawing a line between authenticity and suffering.
This unapologetic take challenges the often-romanticized idea of “struggling with pride” that many Nigerian entertainers and fans admire. Instead, Osunde is stating that survival, comfort, and financial freedom are non-negotiables for her—even if she must work hard to maintain them.
The clip quickly went viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. While many fans applauded her for saying what others fear to admit, others criticized her for allegedly promoting a materialistic mindset.
One fan wrote:
> “She’s just being real. Most people shouting 'God when' can’t survive real poverty either.”
Another user pushed back:
> “There’s a difference between avoiding poverty and letting money define your values. There’s a thin line here.”
The controversy echoes past moments when Nigerian celebrities like Toke Makinwa, Bobrisky, and others have publicly spoken about prioritizing financial security over emotional or social considerations. In a society that still often demands humility and suffering as virtue signals, Osunde’s directness stood out.