Skitmaker and activist Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has opened up about what he described as one of the most difficult periods of his life, revealing that he was once close to giving up after struggling to secure help.

He spoke after a video of veteran actor Peter Fatomilola praising his generosity went viral.

Fatomilola had recounted how Mr Macaroni gave him N200,000 for fuel after a movie shoot in Ibadan, despite receiving only N50,000 for the job. The actor also recalled that the skitmaker later paid him N1 million for a single scene alongside veteran actor Pete Edochie.

The video prompted several people to share testimonies about acts of kindness they said Mr Macaroni had extended to them.

Reacting to the testimonies on his X handle, Mr Macaroni said he broke down in tears while reading the messages because he could not remember many of the acts of kindness people recounted.

He said the experience reminded him to be grateful to God, noting that he had spent too much time dwelling on his losses instead of appreciating God for seeing him through difficult periods.

The skitmaker said he was accustomed to giving and rarely receiving because people often assumed he had enough resources to meet his needs.

He said, however, that the past few years had tested him in ways he struggled to understand.

According to him, he sought help from several sources and was almost at the point of giving up.

Mr Macaroni said an individual, whose identity he did not disclose, eventually helped him settle his debts and continued to support him.

He thanked the person for restoring his hope when he felt everything was over, adding that he would remain indebted to the individual.

The skitmaker also appreciated his close circle, Mr Macaroni & Friends, for standing by him, as well as music executive Don Jazzy, footballer Victor Osimhen and Pastor Bolaji for their consistent support over the years.

He wrote, “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. The truth is, I have always believed in my heart that the only reason God has given me is to give it back. I think this is God’s way of telling me to be thankful, too!!! I have been thinking too much about what I lost instead of thanking God for seeing me through one of the hardest moments of my life.

“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!

“I would mention his name, but he would be really upset. 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! So I’m also saying thank you, Brother! And I will continue to do so again and again, privately and publicly! Thank you for giving me hope when I thought it was all over. I can’t help but think I have taken your love and kindness for granted, but I want you to know that I am forever indebted to you.

“To my closest people in the World (Mr Macaroni & Friends), thank you for not neglecting me even when you had every reason to. Thank you for saving me. 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.

“I am in a better place! I am learning and doing things that make me happy. I don’t and never will regret anything I have ever done in my life to make others’ lives better, even in 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.

“May the love in our hearts be forever greater than the hate in the world. Thank you with all my heart.”