“Social Media Has Turned Into a Begging Site” — Yhemolee Calls Out Nigerians Who Constantly Solicit Money Online

Nigerian singer and actor Idowu Adeyemi, popularly known as Yhemolee, has expressed frustration over what he describes as the growing culture of digital begging on social media platforms.

In a recent post, the “Mon Cheri” crooner lamented how many Nigerians have now turned online spaces into what he calls a “begging site,” saying that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to post pictures or updates without being flooded with account numbers and financial requests.

“It’s no longer news that social media isn’t social media anymore. It’s now a begging site,” Yhemolee said. “The only difference is that unlike the beggars on the road, the beggars on the internet have data.”

The actor, who gained further fame from movies like “Gangs of Lagos” and “Alakada: Bad and Boujee”, pointed out that some individuals have even “earned a PhD in begging,” implying that they have turned it into a lifestyle.

“These days, when you post a picture, the first ten comments are account numbers. My major problem is those who have a PhD in begging. Please omit all those begging from my own picture,” he added.

💬 Opinion: When Social Media Becomes a Marketplace for Sympathy

Yhemolee’s statement may sound harsh to some, but it shines a spotlight on a growing reality — the blurring line between digital interaction and desperation in a struggling economy.

While many Nigerians face real financial hardship and turn to social media as a last resort, the culture of habitual online begging has become overwhelming, especially for public figures and creators. It often drowns out genuine engagement and turns once-vibrant platforms into spaces of constant solicitation.

However, the bigger question is: Why do people feel safer begging online than asking for help offline?

The truth might lie in the anonymity and accessibility of social media — where you don’t need to face rejection directly, and someone’s generosity might just change your story overnight.

Still, Yhemolee’s frustration is understandable. For celebrities, every post shouldn’t be mistaken for a giveaway. And for everyday users, social media shouldn’t lose its essence — connection, creativity, and communication — to a never-ending stream of “please help me” comments.

Maybe it’s time we restored balance: empathy for those truly in need, and boundaries for those who exploit it.