Ghanaian media personality Riyah Abdul says one of the most important lessons she learned early in life was the need to be financially independent.
During a conversation with Chude Jideonwo, Abdul reflected on how her first serious relationship influenced that outlook.
She explained that during the early years of her career she sometimes depended on her partner for financial support.
“At that time I would say things like, ‘I’m hungry, please send me money,’” she recalled. “I would say Metro TV has not paid me.”
According to her, the situation eventually created tension in the relationship.
“I felt like at some point he got tired,” she said. “It became resentment.”
The experience pushed her to rethink how she approached relationships and personal finances.
“You need to have your own,” Abdul said. “When a man gives you something it should be a plus, but you also need to have your own.”
She added that the lesson shaped how she now views independence.
“I realised I can never depend on a man,” she said. “If you give me, I like it, but I also want to have my own so that when I’m hungry I can buy food myself.”
Abdul said the experience has helped her encourage young women to build their own financial stability.