Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Blessing Jessica Nze, has shared a personal account of her journey to financial independence, urging young Nigerian women to prioritise self-reliance and economic empowerment.
During a conversation on Tope Olowoniyan TV, the mother of one reflected on how her determination to stand on her own began to take shape during her university days.
“I decided to be financially independent in my final year at university. Before then, I was already doing something, but it became more structured at that point. I sold Mary Kay products in school and became quite popular for it. I even supplied women in major markets,” she disclosed.
Nze, who is the wife of talented actor, Stanley Nze, credited her drive and resilience to the influence of her mother, whom she described as exceptionally hardworking and resourceful.
“Growing up, I watched my mother juggle multiple roles, from teaching to trading, all in a bid to provide a better life for me as her only child. Watching her hustle inspired me to start something of my own while I was still a student.” Upon graduation, her mother had lovingly prepared for her return home, with plans that included securing a stable government job and, eventually, marriage. She chose a different path.
“I knew that if I returned home, I would become too comfortable and lose my drive. I needed to keep pushing myself. Also, my mother would have gotten me a job with the Lagos State government and, of course, started looking for how to hook me up with a church brother for marriage,” she recalled.
Now a successful actress and filmmaker, Nze is passionate about encouraging young women to take charge of their financial futures. She emphasized that independence is not just desirable but necessary in today’s world.
“Every young woman should strive to be financially independent. Don’t depend on any man. Be whole on your own because even the man you want to depend on is still trying to figure things out for himself. Marriage is meant to be a collaboration. If you bring nothing to the table and rely entirely on your partner, you risk being seen as a mere property,” she advised.
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