Nigerian gospel artiste Esther Igbekele has urged the public to avoid making assumptions about people’s financial status based on outward signs of success.
In a message shared publicly on Facebook, the singer said her remarks were not directed at any individual but intended as general advice. She emphasised that everyone, regardless of their wealth or status, has needs and challenges that may not be visible to others.
Igbekele said it was common for people to request financial assistance from individuals shortly after they celebrated personal milestones, such as acquiring a new car or hosting an event. She noted that such achievements do not necessarily reflect financial ease, as many purchases may be financed through loans or instalment payments.
She also addressed perceptions surrounding public appearances at social functions.
Her words: “We should all understand that no man is an island. At one point or another, we all need each other. Even the richest person on earth may lack something that money cannot buy.
“However, I want to address something important. Some people are quick to ask for financial assistance immediately they see you achieve a goal or celebrate a success without considering how difficult the journey may have been.”
“For example, someone celebrating a new car does not automatically mean they bought it outright. Some cars are bought on loans or installments, and the person may still be struggling to pay it off. Yet the next thing people do is start asking for money to fund their business or personal needs.”
“The same thing happens at social functions. When you attend an event and spray money to honor the celebrant or musicians, some people assume you are very wealthy. What they don’t know is that you may have been saving for months just to show up responsibly — especially when you know all eyes will be on you as a public figure.”
“My point is this: rating someone’s financial status based on visible achievements can be very misleading. Pressuring people to help you financially based on assumptions often leads to resentment when your expectations are not met.”
Statements like:
“Sebi o sese ra motor ni?”
“Sebi o sese ko ile ni?”
“Sebi o lowo lowo lo je ko se party?”
“Sebi o sese de lati ilu oyinbo ni?”
These assumptions are unfair.
The person you are looking at may be silently battling financial commitments you know nothing about. They too may be praying for help.
Let’s slow down on this sense of entitlement. If someone helps you, see it as grace — not an obligation, she advised.
