Nigerian thespian, Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni has revealed how he recovered from ₦500 million debt and a betrayal by his trusted friend.
Narrating his experience in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Mr Macaroni disclosed that he was scammed in an investment around 2021/2022, noting that he wants people to learn from his mistakes.
He wrote: “You all know I never bring my personal issues to social media. I only wish to share this with my community 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; therefore I feel obliged to do this.
“Sometime around 2021/2022, I was victim of a scam and simultaneously 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. So, it didn’t matter whatever it was I was going through. The show must go on! 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.”
The actor stated that he makes money in million, hence, he never thought borrowing money to pay back with interests 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,” he noted and advised people saying, “Please don’t borrow money! But if you must, please be responsible.”
He acknowledged that he is not perfect and tries to be honest as much as possible, affirming that he is 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’s time for lunch.
“If you are like me, please learn to share your breakfast and keep your money for lunch. (I have always known this but I am a stubborn perso. I would give out Breakfast, lunch and if possible dinner).”
The comedian attributed his generous attitude to a mandate from God saying, “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.”
However, he noted that his ‘serious debt’ did not stop his recklessness, stressing that year 2024 was a turning point for his acting career.
The entertainer continued: “Two of the films I featured in were screened at international festivals…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.
“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. So, 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!”
Mr. Macaroni reiterated that he is sharing his experience because of people going through one challenge or the other and encouraged them to keep putting in the work.
“Please DO NOT GIVE UP!,” he urged, explaining that “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.”
The activist added: “You must also be accountable, seek help and make better decisions. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. What is not okay is to keep repeating the same mistakes. May the love in our hearts be forever greater than the hate, betrayal and wickedness in the world.”
