“If you want to escape poverty, be financially heartless—even to your family” – Zicsaloma
Popular Nigerian skit maker and comedian, Zicsaloma has sparked conversations online after sharing bold advice on breaking free from the poverty cycle.
According to him, achieving financial independence sometimes requires being financially ‘heartless,’ even toward your own family.
In an Instagram post, he explained how family pressures can derail your plans if you’re not careful with your money, saying:
“Being financially heartless doesn’t mean you’re wicked. It means protecting your money so you can invest and come out of poverty. Growing up, I always wanted to be independent, comfortable—not necessarily rich, but enough to afford what I needed.
Every time I tried to save or start a business, family would come around. I tell my mom, ‘Mommy, I’ve saved ₦100,000 naira. I want to start this recharge card business.’ Next thing, she says, ‘You have ₦100,000 sitting there? I’m paying rent.’
He further explained that once your family knows your income, they can feel entitled. Even a modest ₦300K salary can suddenly become everyone’s business.
While some siblings might quit their jobs thinking they can rely on you.
Zicsaloma advised that sometimes you shouldn’t disclose your earnings no matter the situation or pressure surrounding it
“If it means lying, lie. Not because you want to be wicked, but because you want to invest and finally escape poverty. Otherwise, it will continue. People will take and take until you have nothing left,” he added.
The post has sparked discussions online, with some agreeing that protecting your money is key to financial independence, while others disagreed.
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