Day I begged for money at airport – Anita Joseph

By Ayo Onikoyi
Being a movie star and a celebrity, more often than not, gives you the license to get away with many things, most times. But sometimes coming unstuck is just as inevitable as your next meal. This is a lesson Nollywood diva, curvaceous Anita Joseph had to learn the hard way when she found herself stranded and moneyless at one of the airports not too long ago – no thanks to the ATM and its many hiccups.

“I never believed I would have to ever beg for money in my entire life but it happened to me this unforgettable and embarrassing day at the airport” she told me, looking uncomfortable, like she was reliving the moment all over again. “Jesus, I was so embarrassed. I was at the airport and needed to use the ATM, because I didn’t have a dime on me. But for some reason the ATM didn’t work and I couldn’t withdraw any money.

This is after I had eaten at a restaurant at the airport and needed to pay. I looked around to see if I could spot anyone I know, until my instinct told me I had no choice but to beg. The mere thought of it made me cringe with horror. Me, Nita, to beg? It was inconceivable and unimaginable but it was the only reality staring me in the face or I had to face bigger embarrassment from the restauranteurs,” she recalled coyly.

According to her, holding her breath, she approached a guy and to her utter amazement the response she got left her even more breathless.“ You mean you are an actress and you don’t have any money on you and you depend on ATM. Na Wa for una” the guy barked at her.

“I was almost in tears and my flight was already boarding. I approached another guy and told him the same story and what he said was another shock to my soul. He asked me who I am and said ‘

are you doing this? I told him I am a Nigerian actress but he replied that he doesn’t watch Nigerian films. To my surprise he gave me the money and behold one of my movies was showing at the lounge, she recounted bitterly.