Nollywood actress and producer Yvonne Jegede has said the hostile reaction public figures often receive for speaking on national issues is one of the reasons many celebrities choose to remain silent during periods of crisis.

The actress, who shared her thoughts on social media, lamented that every attempt to draw attention to societal challenges is often met with criticism rather than constructive engagement.

“The more I speak of the uncommon things I see happening in my country, the more people drag me. I see why people stay quiet in times of crisis,” she wrote.

Jegede said she has never believed in looking away when people are faced with hardship but admitted that recent experiences have left her questioning whether speaking out is worthwhile.

“I wasn’t born to look the other way when humanity is being trampled upon, but you see Nigerians aren’t worth fighting for because bigotry is the order of the day,” she stated.

The actress also questioned the country’s tax system, arguing that despite citizens fulfilling their civic responsibilities, many are still forced to provide services that should ordinarily be the responsibility of the government.

“So, after they work hard to earn and then pay their taxes, they should help the government to provide a better life for the masses, while the tax collected is meant for some family members,” she wrote.

Expressing frustration over the state of the nation, Jegede disclosed that the situation had taken a toll on her mental wellbeing.
“This country has stretched my mental health to its limits,” she added.