Food Critic Opeyemi Famakin Under Fire Over Controversial Remarks
Nigerian food critic Opeyemi Famakin has ignited a fierce national debate after making controversial comments comparing Nigerians and Ghanaians during a recent interview. The remarks, which quickly went viral, drew sharp criticism from Nigerians across social media platforms, with many accusing him of ignorance and rage-baiting.
Famakin, known for his food reviews, expressed concerns about raising his children in Nigeria, describing the general population as lacking basic reasoning ability. He framed his remarks within a desire to remain in the country rather than relocate abroad, but the conversation took a controversial turn when he began comparing Nigerians to their Ghanaian neighbours.
Famakin's Statements Spark Outrage
In the interview, Famakin stated, "My kids cannot grow up with these dullards." He went on to claim, "Ghanaians are smarter than Nigerians. It's just they are not as hardworking. They are not hustlers." While acknowledging that Nigerians possess strong entrepreneurial instinct and creativity, he insisted these qualities existed separately from intellectual depth.
"You can be business smart and dull, generally," he said. "When it comes to business, hustling, making money, creativity, Nigerians are smart, but in general life they are dullards."
Social Media Erupts in Fury
The remarks landed badly, with many viewing the comparison as a sweeping and unfair generalisation about over 240 million people. Critics accused Famakin of hypocrisy and opportunism, while others questioned his credibility to make such assessments.
Legit.ng compiled reactions from social media users. @OfficialStora25 wrote: "A foodie can't have good sense of reasoning when all he can thick about is food. What happened to the children that won beautifully in the just concluded STEM? How many Ghananians are there? Eleribu Olounje o fo."
@Bigsoft12 reacted: "What He said in this interview shows is level of ignorance. Cos if you're smart enough you'll understand that you can't sit in one corner and just conclude the level of smartness and intelligence of 240million plus Nigerians."
@Demo_prince commented: "Imagine a stupid opportunistic calling Nigerian dull. Food critics? The name you gave yourself because you can't find anything useful to do with your life. If not so sm, people like @opeyemifamakin will be doing yahoo."
More Reactions Pour In
@akferragamo1 stated: "I feel ashamed seeing a grown up man talking foolishly in public. Do you know what it takes to be excel in business? If you're intelligent, creative, and building and still full?"
@OAsiegbunam shared: "Insult Nigerians' intelligence without due diligence. You are just a traveled illiterate. In every corner of the world, everyone knows that you don't joke with the smartness of Nigerians. In academics, business, skills, etc. You are simply a sell out."
@directorkuti added: "This guy made his name off ragebaiting. There's no other group of people you'll get serious engagement numbers from through ragebaiting than Nigerians. From the engagements on this post, he's succeeded but what he said in the video is utter rubbish."
Famakin's Tanzania Experience
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Famakin shared an unpleasant experience with a female airport attendant in Tanzania after saying “Ikweji” to her. He revealed that a man angrily confronted him, warning that the phrase was inappropriate as the woman was married. Famakin later admitted he did not know the meaning of the word and cautioned others against using it carelessly in Tanzania.
