- Chef Tolani shared a post on Instagram, highlighting the harsh realities faced by many Nigerians in their daily lives
- The celebrity chef questioned how adults are only able to afford food, emphasising that basic necessities have become unaffordable luxuries for many
- Chef Tolani's message sparked vital discussions on the need for change in Nigeria's economic landscape, with many resonating with her frustrations and plea for a life of ease
In a poignant rant on the economic struggles plaguing Nigeria, renowned celebrity chef, Tolani Tayo-Osikoya, popularly known as Chef T, shared her frustrations with her followers on Instagram.
Her heartfelt post has resonated deeply with many, as it highlights the harsh realities faced by countless Nigerians in their daily lives.
On Wednesday, March 26, Chef T took to her Instagram page to express her concerns, particularly focusing on how basic necessities have become luxuries for many. She questioned,
"But for how long will ADULTS only be able to afford food?"
According to her, adulthood should not be limited to the struggle for food,
"There are other things that make adulthood fun, like having investments, properties, accessible cash to travel anywhere, active insurance covers, giving kids the best education, taking care of family and living life on your own terms."
In Chef T's view, the current state of the Nigerian economy has transformed what should be considered basic rights into unattainable luxuries. She asked, “Tell me why owning a car is counted as a luxury????”
The chef’s concerns extended beyond personal discomfort; she expressed her fears for the future of Nigeria, questioning, "What does the future of Nigeria hold for our children if adults are going through this already? Adults can't have what they 'need'; what they wish is even far-fetched!"
Chef T also commented on the difficulty of being patriotic in a struggling nation, stating, "It's HARD!"
In her fervent address to the realities of Nigerian life, she painted a vivid picture of a populace battling against economic forces,
"So many talents are wasting away in Nigeria. We channel our focus in hustling for basic things instead of putting in the energy into things that will make us live a life of ease."
She compared the struggles faced by Nigerians with the successes of their peers abroad,
“Our mates are achieving successes with ease all over the world, but many of us are here fighting for our lives while struggling to buy fuel, turn on the gen, bus conductor wahala, HUNGER!!!! NO JOBS!!!!!!!!”
Chef T lamented that this dire situation has persisted for years and, arguably, has worsened.
"It was like this many years ago, and yeah! It's worse now!" What does the future hold? Many people's progress have been stalled because of these issues. No progress, just on a survival mode.
“And then you see people angry for no reason, but you know, THERE'S ACTUALLY A REASON! HARDSHIP! No matter how comfortable you are in Nigeria, E GO STILL HIT YOU! Wo goodnight!” She concluded.
Reactions trail Chef T's post
@_rayches__ wrote: “Basic things are now considered as luxury... even food!”
@darasimi_butter wrote: “God knows I prayed about this every day because certain things are meant for certain ages.”
@its.kemzy wrote: “I'm happy for those who have found their way out of this country since this year start person never chop better food.”
@sheddyoflagos commented: “E go touch everybody one by one, 2027 we go get sense.”
@favouritecocoo wrote: “You see this economy e touch everybody both the rich and poor.”
@jernald_couture wrote: “I love my country Nigeria.
For every problem, rice is the solution, They have seen we can't afford condiments to cook the rice. That's why the son of our beloved president entered private jet to a certain state to share already cooked rice. Omo! Shame wear me VDM singlet.”
@trueg202 wrote: “Sad reality, but people won't accept... I see people going to church to pray for admission into school, something that should be ur right. Some even fast and pray for government to repair their roads and give them electricity...this is really bad.”
@shes_precious wrote: “So many people in Nigeria are beginning to survive from hand to mouth alone
Other basic things are now looking like luxuries.”
@maureen_mimidoo wrote: “We will soon stop watching YouTube movies and social media content from content creators. If anyone thinks it doesn't concern them, and they won't speak up, by the time we can't afford Data to watch their work, they'll understand.”
@lostinhalloway wrote: “APC has destroyed,
Tinubu inherited 8yrs of failure from Buhari but he kept quiet because of his personal quest for power.”
@olayimartha wrpte: “Pure water use to be 50naira for a bag!”
@freddy_ex9 wrote: “It takes time for the economy to affect the rich... Time would tell, sheybi they're still behind their screens and keypads?
Don't worry.”
@_amahcah wrote: “I'm relieved to see more people speaking out about the worsening state of the Nigerian economy. Day by day things seem to be getting tougher, and it's clear that the government has little regard for the struggles of ordinary citizens. They prioritize their own interests, filling their pockets while the majority can barely afford basic necessities. Inflation is out of control, unemployment rates are soaring, and insecurity is at an all-time high. Instead of implementing policies that could genuinely improve lives, they cling to power and continue to exploit the nation's resources, It's frustrating and disheartening to witness the growing gap between the leaders and the people they're supposed to serve.”
@ayeni_damiz wrote: “I feel for people who died in protests, they'll think Nigeria has gotten better. If celebrities fit Dey complain, now imagine a common man......e dey touch Everybody.”
@preshypimp wrote: “Funny Enuf we go still bo gehtam ryt next two years.”
@millypopstar wrote: “Heavy on the basic things being luxury! Health care, flights as a means of transportation, food, clean water, roof under one's head, savings, car, technology, good education, holidays be it 2 days at worst are basic needs the average human should be entitled to which would make living better, But in Nigeria, they're luxury which is beyond sad. We have a long way to go as a nation. Can only pray and hope things becomes better for the common man.”
Nigerian food blogger Chef T recounts harrowing experience with armed robbers
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigerian celebrity chef Tolani Osikoya shared her family's harrowing experience with armed robbers in 2003.
She recounted her parents’ bravery and resilience despite being confronted with terror.
According to the chef, the Osikoya family survived the ordeal despite having to visit the hospital afterwards.