Our 2 Kobo Podcast: What war against naira abuse means for ‘owambe’ parties

June 15, 2024 1:20 pm

Since the arrest and prosecution of Bobrisky, the self-acclaimed crossdresser, and the subsequent clampdown on other celebrities and defaulters across the country, the naira appears to be enjoying some respite.

Bobrisky is serving a six-month jail term at the Kirikiri correctional facility for spraying the naira while Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, is exploring an out-of-court settlement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the same offence.

The anti-graft agency said it is also investigating several celebrities who may have been involved in naira abuse, noting that there will be no sacred cow in the efforts to stamp out the trend that has become an integral part of Nigerian ‘owambe’ parties where opulence and excess are a constant fixture.

“If you go to parties, nobody is abusing the naira as it used to be because people know that it is no longer business as usual, people are now paying attention to what they have taken for granted, they now study the law of the land,” Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said in an interview on June 5.

Oyewale said the anti-graft agency has so far secured the conviction of 50 people for violating the naira.

Given the verve of the EFCC in ensuring that naira spraying is eradicated, what then becomes of the time-immemorial culture of spraying money at Nigerian parties?

What will — or can — replace money spraying? How did it become a norm at parties? And will the plan to use celebrities as scapegoats be effective in totally stopping naira spraying?

In this episode of Our 2Kobo Podcast, the hosts discuss what constitutes naira abuse, alternatives to spraying money at events and ways the EFCC can sensitise Nigerians on caring for and valuing the naira.

Do you think Nigerians will ever stop spraying the naira? Will a Nigerian party retain its vibe if currency notes are not flying about on the dance floor?

Listen below and share your thoughts with us.