Veteran Nollywood actress Lanre Adesina Hassan, widely known as Iya Awero, has restated her firm belief in discipline, uprightness, and the duty to correct wrongdoings, values she says are lacking in today’s society.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered from her recent feature on Behind The Fame African A-List that the celebrated actress didn’t mince words about the importance of upbringing and personal integrity, especially for public figures and the younger generation.
Hassan, whose film and television career spans over five decades, expressed concern about the erosion of moral discipline in contemporary society, attributing much of it to poor family upbringing and a culture of silence in the face of wrongdoing.
“When someone is raised well, it reflects in their behavior throughout life,” she said during the interview.
She emphasized that foundational values must be instilled early by guardians, parents, or role models.
“You can’t just behave anyhow like someone who wasn’t raised by responsible people,” she noted, adding that her sense of discipline comes directly from the values she inherited growing up.
Known for her matriarchal roles in Yoruba and English-language films, Iya Awero explained that her approach to life and mentoring others remains consistent, especially when she witnesses poor conduct.
“If I see someone behaving badly, I call them to order,” she said. “I don’t insult them, but I make sure to correct them politely.”
She added that while not everyone appreciates such feedback, her conscience doesn’t allow her to keep silent when things go wrong around her.
“I know some may not like being corrected, but if I see something wrong, I say something. That’s who I am.”
Beyond her acting credentials, Hassan is widely admired for her mentorship of young talents in the Nollywood industry.
She has played a pivotal role in nurturing generations of actors, many of whom credit her for guiding them with both artistic skill and moral grounding.
Her remarks come at a time when conversations around celebrity responsibility, public behavior, and youth misguidance are gaining momentum in Nigeria.
Analysts and cultural commentators believe voices like Hassan’s are essential in today’s social climate, where the influence of entertainers often overshadows traditional forms of community discipline.
As one of the living legends of Nollywood, Iya Awero’s legacy continues to shine, both on screen and off it, as a symbol of principle, modesty, and courage to speak truth even in uncomfortable situations.