Russian-born influencer, actress and businesswoman Fari Elysian, popularly known as Farida Mirzebalaeva, has spoken out against what she described as the preferential treatment white people receive in Nigeria compared with Nigerians themselves.
During an appearance on the KaaTruths Podcast, hosted by KAA, Elysian said her six years in the country had made her feel “more Nigerian than Russian.” However, she expressed disappointment that some Nigerians appear to associate white skin with greater intelligence, status and importance.
To explain her concerns, she recalled an encounter at Kilimanjaro restaurant in Port Harcourt, where she had gone with her former Nigerian boyfriend. She said a security guard enthusiastically welcomed her, opened the entrance door for her and, while watching her walk inside, accidentally shut it in front of her boyfriend.
“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.
According to Elysian, the incident angered her, and she challenged the guard over his decision to treat her more favourably simply because she was white.
She questioned why someone’s skin colour should influence the respect they receive, pointing out that the guard knew nothing about either her financial circumstances or those of her boyfriend.
“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.
The influencer also extended her criticism to the business environment, arguing that some Nigerians appear reluctant to trust or support their fellow citizens when it comes to employment and commercial opportunities.
She claimed that many major businesses in Nigeria are associated with foreign nationals, including Lebanese, Indians, Kenyans and Ghanaians. She further pointed to the employment of private chefs from other African countries in wealthy Nigerian households.
Elysian said she found it troubling that some Nigerians readily express confidence in foreigners while dismissing the possibility of working with their own people.
She cited the common statement, “I can’t trust my people,” as an example of the attitude she was criticising.
Her remarks have brought attention to questions about racial bias, social attitudes and the level of trust Nigerians place in one another, particularly when interacting with foreigners.
