You can’t be too professional to succeed in Nigeria — Deyemi Okanlawon sparks reactions

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Deyemi Okanlawon has sparked debate after claiming that mediocrity is often rewarded over professionalism in Nigeria.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Dear Ife podcast, the actor described Nigeria as a society where excellence is frequently overlooked while less qualified or less serious individuals tend to thrive.

According to Deyemi, being overly professional can sometimes become a disadvantage for people seeking success in the country.

“In a country where mediocrity reigns, you can’t be too serious. I always joke that you can’t be too professional and succeed in Nigeria. Those who act the most unserious succeed the most,” he said.

The actor added that his personal experiences have taught him to tone down his intellect in certain situations to fit into the system.

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

His remarks have since generated mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians agreed with his opinion, saying competence and professionalism are often undervalued, others argued that consistency, excellence and hard work still lead to long-term success despite the challenges.