- Shaffy Bello said she does not judge young women who enter sex work due to hardship
- She advised them not to remain in such situations permanently and to maintain self-respect
- Her comments triggered mixed reactions across social media and renewed public debate in Nigeria
Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has stirred public debate after offering unconventional advice to young women regarding commercial sex work, during a recent interview appearance on the Moraya Show.
In the widely circulated interview, Bello suggested that engaging in sex work for survival or urgent financial needs should not automatically attract moral judgement, while also urging those involved to treat themselves with dignity and avoid remaining in the practice long-term.
According to her, some women resort to such means due to economic hardship, including responsibilities such as supporting parents or funding siblings’ education. She noted that while she does not endorse the practice, she seeks to understand the circumstances that may push individuals into it.
“If what you are doing now is being a ‘runs girl’ to make money, you don’t have to stay there. I understand it, I never judge,” she said during the interview.
She added that individuals in such situations should conduct themselves with self-respect, but emphasised the importance of not making it a permanent lifestyle choice.
“If you go be ash*wo, do am well. Do it well with respect and your full-chest,” she said, before cautioning that such a path should be temporary.
“However, don’t stay there. If that is what you have to do right now to make a living… some girls are doing it because they need to feed mum, send their younger ones to school. I understand it. However, my darlings, don’t stay there,” she added.
Her comments have since generated mixed reactions across social media, with some users criticising the perceived normalisation of sex work, while others argue that her remarks reflect a broader conversation about economic hardship and survival choices faced by young people.
The discussion adds to ongoing public debates in Nigeria around morality, economic pressure and the increasing visibility of informal survival strategies among youths in urban centres.
Bello, a respected figure in the Nigerian film industry, has previously spoken about social issues affecting young women, often drawing attention for her candid and unfiltered views.