Nigerian skit maker Debo Adebayo, better known as Mr Macaroni, has opened up about his financial recklessness,, which left him in debt.
In a lengthy post on the micro-blogging platform Twitter, now known as X, he revealed that sometime around 2021/2022, he was a victim of a scam and simultaneously a failed investment that cost him all he had saved. He said that after he lost all his money, trouble started when he had to borrow money from different sources to settle all his pending commitments and also fulfil certain responsibilities.
Mr Macaroni further said he makes millions, so he never thought borrowing money to pay back with interest could ever be a problem. However, he got too comfortable, and it took him a long time to realise that he was using the money he was earning to pay back interest. Also, his financial recklessness didn’t help.
Admonishing people not to borrow money, the skit maker noted that he isn’t perfect and tries to be as honest as possible. According to him, 2024 was a turning point for him as two of the films he featured in were screamed at International festivals,, and his performances in the films earned him numerous commendations.
He added that the last straw was being betrayed by someone he had always loved as a friend and sister. Macaroni revealed that he never backs down from a fight and always bounces back stronger by God’s grace.
“You all know I never bring my personal issues to social media.
I only wish to share this with my community because I want people to learn from my experience. Also, a part of me won’t rest until I publicly thank God for his grace; therefore, I feel obliged to do this.
Sometime around 2021/2022, I was the victim of a scam and simultaneously a failed investment that cost me all I had saved at the time. It shook me deeply but I told NO ONE about it. If you know me well enough, you will know I do not like to share my problems. I could be going through the worst and, at the same time, helping others solve their own problems, but I just would never share mine.
Also, my training in Theatre is that the show must go on. As a Thespian, I have a duty to continue to entertain, inform, educate, and use my art to make society a better place. So it didn’t matter what I was going through.
The show must go on!
After I lost all the money I had then, the Trouble started when I had to borrow money from different sources to settle all pending commitments and also fulfil certain responsibilities I have always believed were mine to fulfil. I make money in millions, so I never thought borrowing money to pay back with interest could ever be a problem. But I got too comfortable, and it took me a long time to realise that I was using the money I was earning to pay back my interest. Also, my financial recklessness did not help.
Please don’t borrow money! But if you must, please be responsible.
I’m not perfect. I try to be as honest as possible. I am a financially reckless person. I know it. My family and friends have always said it. And this is way before fame. This is how I have been for as long as I can remember. I would give my money for lunch to someone who didn’t have breakfast, forgetting that I would go hungry when it was time for lunch.
If you are like me, please learn to share your breakfast and keep your money for lunch.
( I have always known this, but I am a stubborn person.
I would give out Breakfast, lunch and, if possible, dinner)
I have somehow attributed that to a mandate from God. I tell myself all the time that the reason God has blessed me with anything I have is so that I can help people. But I know that even God does not want us to be reckless.
Back to my story, I was now in serious debt. But it didn’t stop my recklessness.
2024 was a turning point for my Acting career. Two of the films I starred in were screened at international festivals, and my performances in some other films released last year also earned me numerous commendations. However, it was also the most troubling year for me. I was burdened every single day and night, knowing that I was over half a billion in debt.
The last straw was being betrayed by someone whom I have always loved as a friend and sister.
She betrayed my trust, love, and confidence, and for that, I was completely destabilized. I hardly trust people, and nothing really surprises me about human actions, but this one I could never have prepared for. Such was the level of trust and love.
But you see, one thing about me is that I’m a warrior! I have never backed down from a fight. When I fall, I bounce back even stronger by God’s grace, and I keep my head up.
So, I gathered myself and made some very tough decisions. With the help of family and friends who have stood by me, I feel better than I have in the last three years!
So this letter of love is for my people going through whatever. Please DO NOT GIVE UP!
People will betray you, but you must not let that derail you. You are alive for a reason. And every day of your life, you must fight to be a better person than you were yesterday. You must also be accountable, seek help and make better decisions.
It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. What is not okay is to keep repeating the same mistakes.
May the love in our hearts be forever greater than the hate, betrayal and wickedness in the world.
With Love,
Debo”.
