Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has challenged African parents to overcome pride and apologize to their children when wrong, emphasizing the importance of accountability in family dynamics. The advice, shared during a May 17, 2025, parenting seminar in Lagos, reflects Aigbe’s advocacy for healthier parent-child relationships in Nigeria’s traditional society.
Aigbe, 47, a mother of two, argued that many African parents view apologies as a sign of weakness, rooted in cultural norms where elders are rarely questioned. She cited a 2024 study showing 65% of Nigerian parents never apologize to their children, often prioritizing authority over empathy. Aigbe shared her experience apologizing to her daughter, Michelle, 23, after a misunderstanding over curfew rules, which strengthened their bond. She emphasized that apologies model humility, with 80% of Nigerian teens in a 2023 survey saying parental apologies improve trust.
The actress, known for films like The Screenplay and Ada Omo Daddy, which grossed ₦200 million in 2023, urged parents to adapt to modern parenting demands. Nigeria’s 70 million children, 50% of its population, face generational gaps, with 60% of youths reporting strained parental communication, per a 2024 UNICEF report. Aigbe advocated for open dialogue, noting her weekly “family talks” with Michelle and son, Juwon, 14, to address issues like social media use, which 90% of Nigerian teens engage in daily.
Aigbe also addressed cultural barriers, like Nigeria’s collectivist ethos, where 85% of families emphasize respect for elders, sometimes at the expense of emotional connection. She encouraged parents to seek counseling, with only 10% of Nigerian families using professional services, per a 2024 Lagos study. Her stance aligns with her philanthropy, including a 2023 initiative supporting 500 single mothers in Ogun State. Critics argue apologies could undermine parental authority, but Aigbe countered that respect is earned through mutual understanding. With 30 years in Nollywood and 5 million Instagram followers, her message resonates, urging African parents to embrace vulnerability for stronger families.