Misplaced Priorities: N63.4M Showered On Bobrisky Highlight The Misguided Generosity Of Nigerian Celebrities, by Isaac Asabor

In recent times, the lavish financial gifts bestowed upon Idris Okuneye Olanrewaju, popularly called Bobrisky, Nigeria’s controversial cross-dresser and social media personality, by various celebrities have raised eyebrows. While it is undeniable that individuals have the right to spend their money as they see fit, the priorities reflected in such actions deserve scrutiny, especially in a country like Nigeria, where poverty and economic hardship are rampant.

The foregoing view is as the crossdresser has taken to social media to give thanks to Don Jazzy, Yhemolee, Victor Osimhen, Tiwa Savage and 25 others who, respectively, donated money to him while he was in prison.

According to three posts shared by Bobrisky through his verified Instagram page on the photo and video sharing platform, on August 24th, 2024, the sum of N63, 450,000 was gifted to him while he was in prison. In a similar vein, in an interview with media personality, Isbae U, Bobrisky said the prison was a vacation for him as he pragmatically holidayed in prison.

Bobrisky in the Instagram post discloses how female celebrities, male celebrities and influencers contributed the sum of N63M for him when he was in the prison and even went as far as breaking the amount each person donated for him.

In fact, Nigeria is currently grappling with numerous socio-economic challenges. Millions of Nigerians struggle daily to meet basic needs, and the economy continues to deteriorate, exacerbating the poverty level across the country. In such a context, the display of wealth by celebrities through their financial support of Bobrisky seems tone-deaf, if not out rightly insensitive.

One might argue that these celebrities are simply supporting a friend or expressing admiration. However, in a country where many are languishing in poverty, where public schools and hospitals are in dire need of funds, and where many young talents struggle to find support, it is questionable why millions of Naira are being directed to someone who arguably does not need it.

In fact, a critical question arises: “Of what value is the lifestyle which Bobrisky is propagating is to Nigerian youths to warrant such largesse being doled out to him?  Without a doubt, Bobrisky’s public persona revolves around materialism, lavish spending, and a controversial challenge to traditional gender norms. While everyone has the right to live as they choose, the values Bobrisky promotes do not contribute to the kind of positive societal change Nigeria desperately needs.

In contrast, consider how these resources could have been used to promote values like hard work, integrity, and social responsibility. These are the virtues that can uplift a society, inspire the youth, and contribute to the nation’s progress. By prioritizing a lifestyle that revolves around wealth and extravagance, celebrities inadvertently endorse a culture that places materialism above meaningful impact.

In as much as the Celebrities concern in this context have the right to spend their monies in whichever way the deem fit, it is not a misnomer to opine that their actions have set trends and established what can be deemed to be unacceptable or undesirable as not a few youths may tempted to emulate Bobrisky in his morally unedifying lifestyle. By showering millions of Naira on him, these celebrities are sending a message that their wealth should be flaunted and that such displays of affluence are more important than addressing the pressing issues in the society that supports them.

Imagine the impact these millions could have if directed towards more meaningful causes, such as supporting education, providing healthcare, or empowering young entrepreneurs. Many talented individuals in Nigeria lack the necessary resources to pursue their dreams, and with the right support, they could make significant contributions to society.

This is not to say that Bobrisky is unworthy of support or that celebrities should not help their friends. However, there is a need for these influential figures to reflect on the broader implications of their generosity. The millions gifted to Bobrisky could have been channeled to causes that address the underlying issues affecting the majority of Nigerians.

In fact, Philanthropy and social responsibility are vital in shaping a better future for Nigeria. Celebrities, with their vast resources and influence, are in a unique position to drive positive change. By re-evaluating their priorities and directing their wealth towards causes that uplift the underprivileged, they can help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and create a more equitable society.

The millions of Naira given to Bobrisky by Nigerian celebrities represent a troubling trend of misplaced priorities. In a country where many are suffering, it is essential for those with influence and wealth to consider the broader impact of their actions. The time has come for a shift in focus, from the superficial to the substantial, from the individual to the collective. Only then can we begin to address the deep-rooted issues plaguing our society and work towards a future where prosperity is shared by all, not just a select few.

Ostensibly given the rat that was smelled from the humongous monetary gifts, Martins Vincent Otse, known as Verydarkman (VDM), has openly criticized the Nigerian celebrities like Don Jazzy and Tiwa Savage for their generous financial support to Bobrisky.

VDM voiced his disapproval in a heated video, questioning whether these celebrities were trying to endorse cross-dressing or merely seeking public validation.

He suggested that their money could have been better spent on pressing societal issues such as education and community development, rather than supporting what he perceives as negative role models.

Some online users agreed with his views, arguing that celebrity influence should promote more socially responsible initiatives.

Others defended the celebrities, arguing that they have the right to spend their money as they see fit, choose whom to support financially, and select the industry, particularly the entertainment industry, where they want to make contributions.