Major controversy has erupted in Nigeria’s entertainment circles after Ugo Nwokolo, the current Mr. Nigeria title holder, made contentious remarks about his dating preferences during an appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast with Nedu. His statements about being attracted to women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds have triggered widespread criticism and debate about socioeconomic prejudices in relationships.
During the interview, Nwokolo made several provocative claims about the correlation between economic status and relationship qualities, suggesting that women from less privileged backgrounds demonstrate greater commitment to relationships. Most controversially, he stated, “Poor girls turn me on. The poorer the girl, the more attracted I am to her,” following this with assertions about early morning prayer habits and fertility rates among women from lower economic backgrounds.
The beauty pageant winner’s comments have been widely interpreted as exploitative and demeaning, with many social media users condemning his perspective as reinforcing harmful stereotypes and potentially promoting predatory behavior. Critics have particularly focused on the implications of power dynamics in relationships where economic disparities exist.
Public response to Nwokolo’s statements has been overwhelmingly negative, with many questioning both his judgment and his suitability as a representative of Nigeria in his capacity as Mr. Nigeria. Social media user Beauty Ujay attributed his comments to attention-seeking behavior, stating, “See what a grown-up man is vomiting, all because of visibility.” Others have expressed concern about the broader societal implications of such views being publicly aired by a public figure.
“Poor girls turn me on, the poorer the girl, the more attracted I am to her” – Mr Nigeria, Ugo nwokolo. pic.twitter.com/iM2xnBISYm
— Oyindamola
(@dammiedammie35) January 18, 2025
The controversy has sparked a broader discussion about the intersection of economic status and relationships in Nigerian society. Many commentators have pointed out how such attitudes could perpetuate cycles of poverty and contribute to unhealthy relationship dynamics. The incident has also raised questions about the responsibility of public figures in shaping social discourse around sensitive topics such as economic inequality and relationship power dynamics.
Professional relationship counselors and social commentators have weighed in on the matter, highlighting how economic disparities in relationships can lead to power imbalances and potential exploitation. They emphasize that healthy relationships should be built on mutual respect, shared values, and genuine connection rather than economic status or perceived advantages.
The backlash has extended beyond social media criticism to calls for accountability from organizations associated with the Mr. Nigeria pageant. Some observers have suggested that such comments could tarnish the reputation of the pageant and its mission to showcase positive role models for Nigerian youth.
Particularly concerning for many critics is the potential impact of such statements on young people’s perceptions of relationships and success. As one social media user, Alfie_9991, noted, “This is why we have so many dysfunctional teenagers nowadays because papa no get sense,” highlighting concerns about the influence of such views on younger generations.
The controversy has also sparked discussions about the criteria used in selecting representatives for national titles and the importance of considering character and values alongside physical appearance and presentation skills. Many have questioned whether sufficient attention is paid to contestants’ views on social issues and their potential impact as role models.
As the debate continues to unfold, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing socioeconomic prejudices and their intersection with personal relationships in contemporary Nigerian society. It also highlights the heightened scrutiny public figures face in the age of social media, where controversial statements can quickly spark widespread debate and criticism.
