Veteran Nollywood actress Olori Funmilayo Adedeji has shared her insights into the changing nature of communal life in Canada, a country she has called home for 34 years. Speaking on the Talk to B podcast with host Abiola Akinrinde, Adedeji looked back at how the sense of community has transformed since she arrived in the 1990s.
Adedeji reminisced about her early years in Canada, recalling a time when communal living was prevalent and felt similar to that in Nigeria. She observed a marked shift over the decades, highlighting a growing sense of distrust within communities.
“The trust has changed,” she noted. In the 1990s, neighbours were like family, a stark contrast to today’s environment where increased immigration and population growth have led to diminished trust.
The actress pointed out that the rise in scepticism towards newcomers has weakened the sense of community. “Previously, people naturally helped each other out,” she said. “Now, everything revolves around money,” Adedeji emphasised that financial concerns have become more pronounced, with fewer people willing to offer help without expecting something in return.
In her discussion, Adedeji touched on broader societal changes. She noted that as migration has increased and the world has evolved, financial considerations have become a significant focus. “People are becoming more money-conscious,” she concluded. “Nothing is given away for free anymore.”
