Nigerian rapper Erhiga Agarivbie, popularly known as Erigga, has sparked discussions online after claiming that internet fraudsters, popularly referred to as Yahoo boys, have played a major role in destroying genuine romance in today’s relationships.
Speaking during an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, the Warri-born rapper expressed concern over the increasing transactional nature of modern relationships, lamenting that many women now prioritize material gain over genuine affection.
According to him, the lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending habits of Yahoo boys have set unrealistic standards that make it difficult for average men to maintain stable relationships.
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“Yahoo boys don kill romance. [Genuine] romance no longer exists. When last did you see two lovers holding hands together in the street? It has been long we saw such,” Erigga said.
He added that the culture of “showing off wealth” has weakened the emotional foundation of love, with many men now feeling that their worth is tied solely to their bank accounts.
“The problem now is that we are raising weak men who feel their entire value is in their pockets,” he lamented.
Erigga explained that the excessive display of wealth by internet fraudsters has altered expectations in relationships, with many women now associating love with financial benefits.
He noted that this change has created a wide gap between ordinary working-class men and the so-called “big spenders,” making genuine emotional connections increasingly rare.
He recalled that dating used to be simple and more meaningful in the past.
“Nowadays, relationship is expensive. It used to be meat pie, Mr Biggs Fanta, very affordable back then. And the women were very appreciative,” the rapper reminisced.
However, he was quick to point out that men also share in the blame, arguing that some men’s insecurities and attempts to impress women through wealth have further raised expectations.
“Weak men are the ones who set the standards, women took and raised the bars,” he said, emphasizing that men need to take responsibility for the current state of things.
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Erigga urged men to go beyond financial displays in relationships and to cultivate qualities such as emotional intelligence, communication, and empathy, which he believes can foster more meaningful and lasting connections.
According to him, true love thrives on understanding and emotional compatibility rather than money or luxury. He advised young men to focus on building their personalities and values rather than feeling pressured to live up to unrealistic social standards.
“Men should explore ways of offering more in relationships other than just money,” he said. “Emotional intelligence and personal growth can spark genuine interest in women more than flaunting cash.”
Nevertheless, Erigga’s remarks have reignited the ongoing conversation about the erosion of genuine affection in modern Nigerian relationships, and how both men and women can restore balance in a society increasingly defined by money and materialism.
With his outspoken personality and streetwise perspective, Erigga continues to use his platform to address social issues, urging young Nigerians to rethink values and relationships in an era dominated by wealth display and instant gratification.
