Nollywood Actor Ugo Nwokolo Sparks Debate After Claiming Yahoo Fraud Has Helped Nigeria’s Economy
Nollywood actor Ugo Nwokolo has sparked widespread debate after claiming that internet fraud, popularly known as Yahoo, has played a significant role in sustaining Nigeria’s economy amid the country’s ongoing economic hardship.
Speaking during a recent video discussion, the actor argued that the rising cost of living, skyrocketing house rents, and stagnant salaries have left many Nigerians struggling to survive, especially civil servants.
Rising Rent Prices Leave Workers Struggling
Nwokolo questioned how government workers earning between N50,000 and N90,000 per month could possibly afford the high cost of housing in major cities like Abuja and Lagos.
According to him, rental prices have increased to levels that are completely out of reach for average salary earners.
“Personally, I think Yahoo has helped keep the economy afloat. Do you expect a civil servant to afford house rent of N3 million or N5 million in Abuja?” he said.
The actor maintained that Nigeria’s current economic realities have made it nearly impossible for many honest workers to meet basic financial obligations.
Claims Wealthy Fraudsters Dominate Expensive Housing Market
Expanding on his argument, Nwokolo claimed that luxury apartments in Lagos now cost between N7 million and N8 million for a two-bedroom unit, making them accessible only to wealthy individuals.
He suggested that people involved in internet fraud appear to be among those capable of paying such rents, while ordinary workers continue to struggle financially.
“If you go to Lagos now, the least you’ll see for a two-bedroom apartment is about N7 million or N8 million. Who is supposed to afford it? The civil servants? Of course, it’s the fraudsters,” he stated.
Actor Says He Is Not Defending Crime
Despite his controversial remarks, Nwokolo insisted that he was not promoting or defending criminal activities.
He explained that his comments were intended to highlight the harsh economic conditions facing many Nigerians, arguing that financial hardship has pushed some individuals toward illegal means of survival.
“I’m not justifying crime, but yes, Yahoo is helping the economy. How do you expect people to live in this kind of economy?” he added.
Remarks Trigger Mixed Reactions
Nwokolo’s comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians agreeing that worsening economic conditions have placed immense pressure on citizens, while others strongly criticized his remarks, arguing that internet fraud damages the country’s reputation and should never be viewed as beneficial, regardless of the economic situation.
The actor’s statement has once again reignited conversations about Nigeria’s economic challenges, unemployment, rising living costs, and the growing desperation many citizens face as they struggle to make ends meet.
