Nollywood actor Adeyemi Okanlawon has called for greater compassion and empathy in the way people are treated, lamenting what he described as a culture of constantly tearing down individuals, even those who genuinely strive to do good.
Speaking during a recent episode of the CreativiTea Podcast, Okanlawon reflected on the public criticism directed at fellow actor Alex Ekubo, saying it was painful to watch someone he considers kind-hearted become the target of relentless attacks.
Describing Ekubo as a person with a genuinely beautiful heart, Okanlawon questioned why society often fails to recognise sincerity and instead chooses to amplify negativity.
"I watched people tear this guy down… and I'm looking at our people, and I'm like, how? That's the environment that we're trying to build in a place where good is not appreciated," he said.
The actor stressed that people should be more considerate of one another, pointing out that many individuals are privately battling personal struggles, dealing with failures, or trying to recover from past mistakes. According to him, showing kindness sometimes simply means refusing to participate in public condemnation.
"Can we just be kind to one another? People are going through stuff. People have made mistakes, whatever the case may be. The kindest thing that you can do is not to engage," Okanlawon added.
He warned that a society that continually celebrates corruption and mediocrity while attacking integrity and excellence risks discouraging people from doing good. According to him, such an environment creates fear, forcing many to suppress their authentic selves rather than contribute positively.
"If we're celebrating corruption and mediocrity on the one hand, and we're tearing down good and excellent on the other hand, we're reducing the number of good and the number of excellence… It's very worrisome," he said.
Okanlawon maintained that promoting empathy, encouragement, and understanding would help build a healthier society where positive values are rewarded rather than ridiculed. He urged people, both online and offline, to choose compassion over criticism, noting that simple acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of others.