Russian-born influencer, actress, and entrepreneur Fari Elysian—popularly known as Farida Mirzebalaeva, has criticized Nigerians for allegedly according higher respect and preferential treatment to white foreigners over their fellow citizens.

Speaking during an appearance on the KaaTruths Podcast hosted by KAA, Elysian, who has lived in Nigeria for six years and considers herself "more Nigerian than Russian," expressed frustration over what she perceives as a widespread mindset that views white people as smarter and superior.

To illustrate her point, Elysian recalled an incident at a Kilimanjaro restaurant outlet in Port Harcourt, where a security guard enthusiastically welcomed her while disregarding her Nigerian partner.

"The security guy was so excited. I saw a white lady, he was like, ‘Ah, madam, boss, you are welcome.’ He opened the door for me and because he was even looking at me walking into the restaurant, he forgot about my ex. He just closed the door in front of him," she revealed.

Elysian stated that the encounter angered her, prompting her to confront the guard over the bias.

"What if this guy is the one saving my life at this point? What if this guy is the rich one actually? What if he’s the one that has money in his account and I’m the broke one? He didn’t know I was broke, I was hungry, I was looking for ways to find money, and you are treating me better than this person just because of my colour. How does that make sense to you?" she questioned.

The content creator also targeted corporate and domestic employment practices in Nigeria, noting a systemic distrust among citizens when hiring for high-level roles or top-tier businesses.

"Look at the biggest businesses in Nigeria, the money are always either Lebanese, either Indians, Kenyans, Ghanaians," she stated, adding that even wealthy Nigerian households frequently hire private chefs from neighboring African countries rather than locals.

She identified the habit of justifying discrimination with the phrase "I can't trust my people" as a fundamental barrier to collective growth and economic trust within the country.

ID