Popular Nigerian skit maker, Mr. Macaroni, has shared a personal story of struggling with debt, betrayal, and financial recklessness.
In a recent post on X, Macaroni, born Adebowale Adedayo, revealed that he fell victim to a scam and a failed investment in 2021, which led to a debt of over N500 million by 2024.
Despite achieving significant career milestones in 2024, including international recognition, Macaroni described it as his most ‘troubling year’ due to the weight of his debt.
Pointing out that he initially kept his struggles private (but is sharing as a testament to God’s faithfulness), Macaroni said “You all know I never bring my personal issues to social media. I only wish to share this 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.
“Sometime around 2021/2022 I was victim of a scam and 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 would 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.
“After I lost all the money I had then, Trouble started when I had to borrow money from different sources to settle all pending commitments and also fulfill certain responsibilities I have always believed were mine to fulfill.
“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 realize that I was using the money I was earning to pay back interests. 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 out my money for lunch to someone who didn’t have breakfast, forgetting that I would go hungry when it was time for lunch.
“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.
“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 featured 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.”
Continuing, he said “The last straw was when I was 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 the actions of we humans, 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.
“I gathered myself, and made some very tough decisions and with the help of family and friends who have stood by me, I feel better than I have felt in the last 3 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.”
