A Nigerian chef has ignited a significant online conversation after publicly expressing her disappointment with a recurring beneficiary of her giveaways. The chef revealed that despite her regular support, the individual failed to recommend her brand when an opportunity for real patronage arose.
The Incident That Sparked the Debate
According to the chef's account, she was taken aback when the person, whom she had supported with free items on multiple occasions, needed to hire a chef for an event. Instead of mentioning or recommending the chef's brand, the recipient completely overlooked her. The chef was only considered after another person stepped in to recommend her business, highlighting a painful irony in the situation.
A Common Frustration Among Service Providers
This story resonated deeply with other business owners, particularly in the culinary space. In a related exchange, another chef shared a similar experience of frustration. She explained that she often sends out free food samples to potential clients but finds herself bypassed when it comes time for them to place actual paid orders. Jokingly, yet pointedly, she declared that the habit of accepting "free support without loyalty" must come to an end this year.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Entrepreneurs
The incident, shared on December 25, 2025, by blogger Linda Ikeji, has opened a wider dialogue about the dynamics of support, patronage, and loyalty within Nigerian business circles, especially on social media. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners echoed the sentiment, noting that while giveaways are excellent for marketing and visibility, they do not always translate into genuine customer loyalty or tangible sales. The discussion underscores a challenging aspect of running a business where generosity is not always reciprocated with meaningful support.
The conversation continues to evolve, with many calling for a shift in mindset from consumers to consciously support businesses that have been generous to them, moving beyond the culture of merely collecting freebies.
