A social media influencer from Benue State, Happiness Agbo, has stirred debate online after declaring that she cannot date a man who is struggling financially, following a surge of romantic messages she received after revealing how much she earns from her online content.
Agbo, who built her following by sharing videos of her everyday life in Benue State, said many men who once mocked her appearance are now privately expressing romantic interest after discovering that she earns substantial income from social media.
According to her, she initially started creating content by documenting her daily experiences in her community despite the environment being considered unaesthetic by many viewers. Over time, her audience grew significantly, attracting both supporters and critics.
She explained that in the early stages of her online journey, she faced heavy trolling from some social media users who mocked her looks and body shape. However, as her videos began attracting higher engagement and brand partnerships, her earnings increased and her online influence expanded.
The influencer recently revealed that she had spent about ₦7 million from her social media income on what she described as something not profitable.
Shortly after making the disclosure, she said her private messages were flooded with men declaring their affection.
According to Agbo, many of the messages came from individuals who previously criticised her online.
She said several of the men promised to treat her well and even serve her despite admitting they were currently struggling financially.
Reacting to the messages, the influencer made it clear that she has no intention of entering a relationship with someone who lacks financial stability.
I’m not a girl that can be managing any man’s poverty. I’m not like my mum. I know what my mum suffered before she died, she said.
Agbo explained that her position is influenced by the difficult experiences her mother faced in the past, which she said she does not want to repeat in her own life.
She added that she often advises her younger sister not to settle for a struggling partner, saying she would not contradict her own advice by dating men who are currently unable to provide financial stability.
The influencer also warned that she may expose some of the messages sent to her if the men involved do not stop contacting her.
According to her, the large number of romantic messages has begun to interfere with her work, as they are making it harder for her to identify important communications from brands interested in collaborating with her.
Same people telling me I’m ugly are still coming to ask me to be their girlfriend,” she wrote while sharing a video addressing the situation on her social media platforms.
Her comments have sparked discussions online about relationships, financial expectations, and the changing dynamics of social media influence, particularly as more young Nigerians turn to digital platforms as a source of income and visibility.
