Nigerian Men Can’t Offer More Than Money in Relationship – Toke Makinwa
Media personality and actress Toke Makinwa has challenged the perception that modern Nigerian women are excessively materialistic in relationships, arguing instead that many Nigerian men place too much emphasis on financial offerings.
Speaking on a recent episode of the MENtality podcast hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Makinwa said romantic relationships have historically involved an element of exchange, noting that such dynamics are not unique to the present day.
According to her, the widespread criticism of women seeking financial security in relationships is partly driven by the way many men approach dating.
“From time immemorial, a relationship between a man and a woman has always been transactional, right from the Garden of Eden, right from our parents’ days. And the degree at which it is happening now, I will blame the men. Sometimes, that [financial benefits] is all men have to offer,” she said.
Makinwa further argued that many Nigerian men use wealth as their primary means of attracting women instead of building deeper personal connections.
“Nigerian men don’t have games aside from money. Once a Nigerian man makes money, he starts throwing it at the hottest girls. Sometimes, you meet a man and you want to know him but he is offering you money,” she added.
She also claimed that such behaviour has contributed to the rise of materialistic expectations among some women.
“Men have offered women strangest things and it made me realise that men feel cash is all they need to show you. Most girls who are materialistic today, men taught them how to make demands,” Makinwa said.
