‘I’m not yet a millionaire’ — Chef Dami begs Nigerians for money

Damilola Adeparusi, the Nigerian chef, has dismissed claims that she has millions in her account following her 120-hour cooking marathon. 

Adeparusi, fondly called Chef Dami, became a viral sensation after she completed the cooking marathon.

On Tuesday, a video of her soliciting for financial assistance surfaced online.

“The money that we have received is not enough. The money we have is not enough to pay for soldiers securing me. Honestly, you should help me consider those factors if you want to give me something. I will appreciate it,” she said.

The clip has continued to elicit reactions, with many expressing mixed views over it.

Some social media users had wondered why the chef would ask for money despite the donations and support she got during and after the cooking marathon.

But speaking with TheCable Lifestyle, the chef said she made the video to clarify “the millionaire narrative” being circulated.

Adeparusi said contrary to rumours, she does not own a car yet. The chef also disclosed that she did not hire the security personnel seen around her.

“I am only trying to debunk rumours that people are claiming that I have millions in my account,” she said.

“When people saw a picture I posted online walking with some men of the cadet, they started saying ‘now she has money to even hire security’.

“I made that video to tell the people that the money I have cannot be spent lavishly on hiring security.

“And those security aides are cadets who are friends with someone I know.

“Some people are saying ‘Oh she now has a car’. It’s a lie. They are saying I have been given a car so I now have money.”

On her proposed 150-hour cooking marathon, she said: “I am starting my exam next month and I will need to go for my industrial training (IT) so I don’t think it will hold next month (July)”.