“Encouragement Can Sometimes Feel Like Pressure“ – Mary Njoku Warns

Actress Mary Njoku has urged people to be more thoughtful in their encouragement, stating that well-meaning words can sometimes cause unintended harm.

Njoku expressed concern that expressing one’s belief in their ability to achieve something may feel more like pressure than support.

Nollywood actress Mary Njoku has offered thoughtful advice on how encouragement should be given, noting that even well-intentioned words can sometimes do more harm than good.

In a recent Instagram post, the actress highlighted that pushing someone to do what they believe they can’t might come off as pressure, rather than motivation. She explained that such words could trigger feelings of guilt, failure, or even depression.

Njoku emphasized the importance of respecting people’s self-awareness, stating that belief in one’s abilities is essential to achieving success, but when someone says they can’t, that too should be accepted without judgment.

Njoku wrote, “Sometimes telling someone they can do what they deeply believe they can’t isn’t encouragement, it is pressure. It can feel like guilt, like failure. It can even feel like depression. So my dear, if you say you can, then you can. If you say you can’t, then you can’t, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the best advice is no advice at all.”

Popular Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta has reunited with his estranged wife, actress Olayinka Solomon, in a surprising public appearance.

The emotional reunion occurred on Sunday night in Lagos during the premiere of Toyin Abraham’s new film, Iyalode.

A viral video circulating online captured the moment Chatta warmly embraced Olayinka and her current husband, Olasunkanmi Mabinuori. In a show of goodwill, Mabinuori was even seen spraying bundles of cash on Chatta as the trio shared smiles and brief conversation.

Ibrahim Chatta and Olayinka welcomed a son, Malik, in 2008, but their relationship later turned sour following allegations of domestic abuse made by the actress.

Olayinka has since moved on and tied the knot with Mabinuori in 2021. The couple recently welcomed their first child together in January 2025.

The reunion video has sparked buzz on social media, with many praising the maturity and civility shown by all parties involved.