Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has opened up about abandoning the pressure to maintain a luxurious public image, saying maturity taught him that expensive possessions do not guarantee fulfilment or lasting happiness.
Speaking during an appearance on The Mentality with Ebuka, the actor reflected on a period when he felt compelled to keep up appearances, admitting that he once embraced the culture of projecting success even when it meant borrowing or pretending. He said he has since changed his outlook after realising that the pursuit of material status never truly ends.
The actor said his perspective on money has also evolved, Brandspur Brand News reports. He disclosed that he once owned around 150 bottles of perfume but eventually stopped buying more after recognising that the same money could have been invested in long-term assets such as land.
While making it clear that there is nothing wrong with enjoying wealth or living comfortably, Egbuson stressed that people should honestly examine whether their possessions genuinely bring them peace or are simply driven by the need to impress others. He argued that personal fulfilment should matter more than public perception.
The actor also spoke candidly about experiencing financial challenges at different stages of his life. Looking back on his early years as an influencer, he admitted that there were times he borrowed money and tried to create an image of success that did not reflect his reality.
According to Egbuson, he has intentionally moved away from promoting a lifestyle that encourages unhealthy comparisons. He believes public figures have a responsibility to be more transparent about life’s struggles because many people, particularly young social media users, may be making risky financial decisions in an attempt to match the glamorous lifestyles they see online.
He added that creators should normalise conversations around difficult seasons, reminding their audiences that setbacks are a natural part of life and that a person’s value should never be measured by the cars they drive, the clothes they wear or the luxury items they own.
