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| Toke Makinwa |
Nollywood actress and media personality Toke Makinwa has dismissed claims that modern Nigerian women are excessively materialistic or primarily pursue romantic relationships for financial gain.
Speaking on a recent episode of the MENtality Podcast, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Makinwa argued that relationships between men and women have historically involved some form of exchange, insisting that the trend predates the current generation.
According to her, transactional dynamics in relationships have existed "from time immemorial," adding that many men have contributed to the perception of women as materialistic by making money their primary attraction.
"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 rely on their financial status because they lack other qualities needed to build meaningful romantic relationships.
She claimed that some men attempt to impress women primarily by offering money rather than investing in genuine connection.
"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 said.
The actress maintained that the materialistic expectations often attributed to some women are, in many cases, a product of men's approach to dating.
According to Makinwa, repeated emphasis on financial gestures has conditioned some women to view monetary demands as a normal part of relationships.
"Men have offered women the 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," she added.