Nollywood actress and filmmaker Yvonne Jegede has said that the backlash public figures face whenever they comment on national issues discourages many celebrities from speaking out during times of crisis.
Sharing her views on social media, the actress lamented that efforts to highlight societal problems are often greeted with criticism instead of meaningful dialogue and constructive conversations.
“The more I speak of the uncommon things I see happening in my country, the more people drag me. I see why people stay quiet in times of crisis,” she wrote.
Jegede said she has never believed in looking away when people are faced with hardship, but admitted that recent experiences have left her questioning whether speaking out is worthwhile.
“I wasn’t born to look the other way when humanity is being trampled upon, but you see Nigerians aren’t worth fighting for because bigotry is the order of the day,” she stated.
The actress also questioned the country’s tax system, arguing that despite citizens fulfilling their civic responsibilities, many are still forced to provide services that should ordinarily be the responsibility of the government.
“So after they work hard to earn and then pay their taxes, they should help the government to provide a better life for the masses, while the tax collected is meant for some family members,” she wrote.
Expressing frustration over the state of the nation, Jegede disclosed that the situation had taken a toll on her mental wellbeing.
“This country has stretched my mental health to its limits,” she added.