Fari Elysian, a Russian-born actress, influencer and entrepreneur whose birth name is Farida Mirzebalaeva, says she has witnessed Nigerians show greater regard for white people than for their own citizens.

On the KaaTruths Podcast, hosted by KAA, Elysian reflected on her six years in Nigeria, saying she feels “more Nigerian than Russian.” She added that, in her view, many Nigerians assume white people are more intelligent and treat them with greater respect.

She recalled an incident at Kilimanjaro restaurant in Port Harcourt while she was with her former boyfriend. A security guard, she said, warmly greeted her and held the door open, then closed it in her Nigerian boyfriend’s face.

“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 said.

Elysian said the incident angered her, prompting her to educate the security guard about the unfair treatment.

“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 asked.

She also criticised Nigerians who distrust their fellow citizens when it comes to business and employment opportunities.

“Look at the biggest businesses in Nigeria; the money is always either Lebanese, Indians, Kenyans, Ghanaians,” she said, adding that private chefs in wealthy Nigerian homes are often from other African countries.

ASA