Erigga Says Internet Fraudsters Have Killed True Romance, Turning Nigerian Relationships Into Expensive Transactions

 

Nigerian rapper Erhiga Agarivbie, popularly known as Erigga, has voiced deep concern over what he describes as the death of genuine romance in Nigeria. The Warri-born hip-hop artist said internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo boys, have completely altered the dynamics of modern relationships through their flamboyant spending habits on women. Speaking during an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Erigga explained that the growing materialism in relationships today can be traced to the reckless display of wealth by these fraudsters who use money as the only measure of affection.

According to him, the culture of spending extravagantly to win love has made it increasingly difficult for men who earn honestly to sustain romantic relationships. The rapper argued that women, now accustomed to the financial generosity of Yahoo boys, have raised their expectations beyond the reach of ordinary men. This, he said, has made romance transactional and has eroded the emotional essence that once defined genuine love.

He painted a nostalgic picture of the past, recalling a time when relationships were built on sincerity, emotional connection, and mutual effort. Back then, he said, romance was simple and heartfelt. Couples could bond over modest treats like a bottle of Fanta and a meat pie at Mr Biggs, and such gestures were enough to spark affection and appreciation. Those days, he noted, have faded away as the pressure to meet extravagant standards now dominates modern dating culture.

Erigga lamented that the influence of Yahoo boys has gone beyond just relationships, warning that it is also reshaping the mentality of young men. He argued that the new generation of men often equates self-worth with material possession, believing that without money, they hold no value in society or in the eyes of women. He described this as a dangerous trend that fosters insecurity and weak character among men, resulting in emotional detachment and lack of purpose outside financial success.

His words, filled with emotion and social insight, echoed a concern many Nigerians share about the growing disconnect between genuine affection and material gain. According to Erigga, what used to be a sincere display of love and effort has now been replaced by showmanship and competition. He questioned how long this trend can last before society completely loses the essence of meaningful relationships.

The rapper was particularly critical of men who enable the very culture they now complain about. He said many men, out of desperation to impress women, have contributed to setting unrealistic standards that others now struggle to meet. Instead of building genuine connections, they resort to flaunting wealth, gifts, and luxury as substitutes for emotional intelligence or personal substance. Women, in response, have adapted to this system, turning love into a marketplace where affection is measured by spending power.

Reflecting on his own observations, Erigga emphasized that romance in Nigeria has become an expensive venture. The simplicity and excitement that once accompanied young love have been replaced by expectations of luxury, designer gifts, and expensive outings. He described this shift as a symptom of a society where values have been misplaced, and where authenticity no longer carries weight in matters of the heart.

Beyond criticism, Erigga also offered advice to men and women alike. He urged men to focus on developing themselves beyond their financial capacity. He argued that personal growth, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect genuinely with others are far more valuable than temporary displays of wealth. According to him, real relationships thrive on mutual understanding, kindness, and communication rather than the size of one’s wallet.

He also encouraged women to reexamine their expectations and recognize that not every man who lives modestly lacks ambition or value. Erigga believes that relationships should be built on shared dreams and emotional support, not on material benefits that fade with time. He expressed hope that with greater awareness, both men and women can rediscover the beauty of simplicity and authenticity in love.

His message has sparked conversations across social media, with many Nigerians agreeing that Yahoo culture has influenced how relationships are perceived and pursued. Others argue that economic hardship has contributed equally to the shift, making financial stability an unavoidable factor in romantic decisions. Regardless of where one stands, Erigga’s remarks have reignited an important national discussion about the kind of values young people are embracing in their pursuit of love and success.

The rapper’s perspective reflects a broader cultural concern. As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic inequality and youth unemployment, the appeal of fast wealth remains strong, and with it comes a lifestyle that glamorizes money over morality. Erigga’s comments serve as both a social critique and a moral reminder that love, at its core, is meant to be a connection of hearts, not a contest of pockets.

Through his words, Erigga has once again proven that beyond his music, he is a voice for reflection and social awareness. His message to Nigerians is clear; romance can only be revived when both men and women learn to appreciate sincerity over material gain, and when society begins to value character and emotional strength as much as wealth and status.