Nollywood actress and producer Yvonne Jegede has said the backlash public figures often face for commenting on national issues discourages many celebrities from speaking out during difficult times.
Sharing her thoughts on social media, Jegede said attempts to highlight societal problems are frequently met with criticism instead of meaningful conversations, making many public figures reluctant to voice their opinions.
“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.
The actress said she has always believed in speaking up when people are facing hardship but admitted that the response she has received has made her question whether doing so 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.
Jegede also raised concerns about the country’s tax system, arguing that many citizens continue to shoulder responsibilities that should ordinarily be handled by the government despite paying taxes. “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.
The actress concluded by revealing that the country’s challenges have had a significant impact on her emotional wellbeing. “This country has stretched my mental health to its limits,” she added.
