Former presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has weighed in on the financial struggles of Lagosians, attributing it to certain lifestyle choices.
He berated the cultural pressure surrounding “Aso Ebi” and frequent party attendance as potential financial burdens.
Aso Ebi, a Yoruba term meaning “family cloth,” refers to coordinated outfits worn to social events to show solidarity and support.
Omokri said that many Lagosians are unknowingly perpetuating their financial woes by prioritising social appearances over wealth-building.
He criticised the trend of neglecting savings and investments such as cooperative societies (Esusu), in favour of buying expensive fabrics for parties.
He, however, urged young Nigerians to adopt a ‘minimalist’ social life and redirect their attention to financial instruments like stocks and cryptocurrency.
In his words, Omokri advised people to “put a pause on attending parties” and focus on building their financial stability.
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He emphasised the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and avoiding toxic environments, often masked by social glamour.
He wrote on X: “If you are in Lagos and have a job or business but are not making it, consider eliminating Aso Ebi from your life. Honestly, you won’t believe how much Lagosians spend on Aso Ebi. And the pressure can be stifling. People who are not taking part in Esusu (cooperatives) yet are participating in Aso Ebi. Which means that they are not cooperating to grow their money, only to blow it.
“And they wear the clothes once, and all that money is gone.
“Where did all these CBEX people get influenced to invest in that Ponzi scheme? Is it not at one of these Aso Ebi parties?
“Do yourself a favour. Put a pause on attending parties. Whether Owambe, Obito, or Trado. Be a ghost for one year. Join an Esusu. Use your digital scarcity to gain social currency. Let people say, ‘Where have you been’, instead of ‘you done come again o’. Rather than the latest dance step, get involved with the newest stock and crypto.
“Life is not that complicated. Success is not that difficult. It is you who just makes things hard for yourself by carrying yourself to every party where your energy and atmosphere are poisoned by different people who do all manner of evil things to make money and then pretend as if it is that small shop where they sell lace that they are making all those billions from.”