Nigerian celebrity chef and two-time Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci has shared a candid message about toxic friendships, warning against keeping close relationships with people driven primarily by fame, attention, or financial gain.
Her comments come months after the public fallout between her and former close friend Ama Reginald, a situation that drew significant attention on social media. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Speaking in a recent reflection, Baci explained that individuals who are excessively focused on clout, money, or public engagement can negatively impact both personal wellbeing and public reputation.
According to her, such people may exploit one’s image or association without considering the consequences.
“The worst kind of people to be friends with are people that are fame hungry, engagement hungry, money hungry, attention hungry,” she said.
The celebrity chef further noted that some individuals may damage another person’s reputation without remorse, sometimes dismissing concerns as harmless mistakes when confronted.
“These people will launder your image with no single care and it’s a lot more scary when you point this thing out and then they act oblivious or they say, ‘Oh, it was a harmless mistake, oh I didn’t know,’” she added.
Baci emphasized the need for discernment in choosing friendships, urging people to seek wisdom to identify unhealthy relationships early and protect themselves emotionally and professionally.
“Honestly, we just need to pray to God for discernment,” she said.
Her remarks highlight the challenges public figures often face in maintaining genuine relationships while navigating fame and influence, particularly in the age of social media visibility.