Reno Omokri has taken aim at footballers, entertainers, and artists who squander their wealth during their prime years only to fall into poverty later and hold government or society responsible.

According to him, such a mindset reflects “mental laziness” and a refusal to take responsibility for one’s own future.

In a post shared on his X account, Omokri wrote:

“Footballers can’t enjoy the proceeds of their success alone and then outsource their failure to society. Sportsmen, athletes, entertainers, and artists are not the responsibility of the government or society, except when they are civil servants entitled to a pension.”

He cited Joe Lasisi, a staff of the Nigerian Customs Service who boxed professionally but still received his salary, benefits, and entitlements, as an example of how such situations should work.

Omokri argued that while it is unfortunate when national icons die broke, the responsibility for their financial state rests with them—not with the public.

“When they perform national assignments, they get paid. If they are not paid, the public often rallies until they do. Beyond that, they also receive gifts of money and property from an appreciative nation, not to mention the fortunes they earn from their professional lives,” he said.

He stressed that many do not even pay taxes in Nigeria, yet expect society to bear the burden of their poor choices later in life.

Comparing Nigeria to other countries, Omokri pointed out that athletes and entertainers abroad also go broke, but without blaming the government. He mentioned English football legend Paul Gascoigne, who lost his £20 million fortune, and Trevor Sinclair, as examples.

“To then grow old in poverty and blame society is nothing but mental laziness,” Omokri added. “It is an entitled mentality that shows immaturity and a lack of understanding of how the world works. They should have had better financial guidance during their prime.

“You can’t enjoy your success alone and then want to outsource your failure to society.”