Nigerian content creator and activist Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has opened up about a deeply challenging chapter of his life, detailing how he navigated severe financial hardship before receiving life-changing support from close friends, colleagues, and prominent figures.
In a statement on X on Saturday, he said messages from people he had helped moved him to tears. Their accounts also made him think about the support he received when he struggled to ask others for help.
“I cried so much last night and this morning. I have seen lots of messages from different people about things I did for them at different times, most of which I don’t even remember.”
Mr Macaroni said he had become used to giving and found it difficult to tell people when he needed help. In recent years, however, he had to borrow money and ask for support.
“I am used to always giving and hardly ever receiving because everyone thought I had in abundance. I have also always found it difficult to ask for help. Even if I had to borrow from anyone, I would always return with interest, even without them asking. But I was tested in ways I couldn’t understand these past few years. I asked for help everywhere and anywhere I could think of and I was on the verge of giving it all up.”
He said one person eventually settled everything he owed. He did not name the benefactor, saying the person would be upset if he made his identity public.
“God used one person to settle all that I owed! And this help came over and over again! I don’t think any sane person would do what he did for me without God’s intervention”
Thanking the benefactor, Mr Macaroni said the help gave him hope when he thought “it was all over”. He also thanked his close circle, whom he called “Mr Macaroni & Friends”, for standing by him.
The comedian expressed gratitude to music executive Don Jazzy, whom he said had supported him since his university days. He also thanked footballer Victor Osimhen and Pastor Bolaji.
“To Don Jazzy, who has been giving me since my university days up till now, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do, not just for me but for so many others!!! To my brother Victor Osimhen and Pastor Bolaji!!! Thank youuuu.”
Mr Macaroni has previously spoken about a difficult financial period in an interview with Guardian Life. He has also given back to his former film institute, donating ₦500,000 to PEFTI Film Institute in 2022.
Beyond comedy, he has spoken publicly on civic issues. Police arrested him at a Lekki tollgate protest in 2021.
Mr Macaroni said he is now in a better place and does not regret helping others, despite the difficulties he faced.
“I don’t and will never regret anything I have ever done in my life to make the lives of others better in even the smallest way possible. However, I have learned a lot of lessons these past few years and I am grateful even for the trials and tribulations for which without them I wouldn’t have the clarity of mind I now have.”
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