Former presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has once again sparked a heated debate across social media after sharing a thought-provoking post about the relationship between money, hard work, and investment.
Known for his outspoken opinions and motivational insights, Omokri, who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, October 6, 2025, to share his controversial take on what truly drives success and financial stability in life.
In his post, the former presidential aide emphasized that while hard work is valuable, it is money — and more importantly, investment — that ultimately determines one’s quality of life and long-term security. According to him, the ability to generate income and make wise investment choices far outweighs the benefits of mere effort without financial strategy.
“Money cooks delicious soup, investment kills poverty”
Sharing his view, Omokri wrote: “It is money that actually cooks a delicious soup, not the cook. And it is investment that kills poverty, not work. No matter how hardworking you are today, if you don’t invest your income, the only outcome you get is to become poorer as you age and your energy reduces.”
He continued by explaining that as people get older, their physical and mental productivity begins to decline, which often leads to job loss or retirement. In such cases, only those who have made investments early in life can continue to enjoy stability and comfort.
“Once your productivity declines, your boss will fire you and hire a youth. But investments get stronger as you grow older. Therefore, invest!” he added.
Mixed reactions trail Reno Omokri’s post
Omokri’s post immediately generated a storm of reactions online, as thousands of users debated his claim. Many supporters applauded his statement, describing it as a wake-up call for Nigerians who depend solely on their monthly salaries. They argued that his message highlighted the reality that hard work without financial intelligence often leads to a cycle of poverty and frustration.
One user commented, “Reno is right. You can work from dawn till dusk, but without investment, there’s no real future.” Another added, “This is a fact most people don’t want to hear — hard work alone doesn’t build wealth.”
However, some critics disagreed, accusing Omokri of being insensitive to the financial struggles of average Nigerians. They argued that not everyone earns enough to make meaningful investments after covering basic needs such as food, rent, and transportation.
A critic wrote, “It’s easy to say ‘invest’ when you already have money. But most Nigerians can barely survive on their income.” Another replied, “Investment is good advice, but we need opportunities and fair wages before talking about returns.”
Omokri’s message on financial discipline
Despite the controversy, Omokri’s post continues to gain traction as more people reflect on his message. For years, he has consistently used his platform to encourage Nigerians to adopt better financial habits, emphasizing savings, investment, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of financial freedom.
Analysts have also echoed his view, noting that in an economy where inflation and unemployment remain high, investment literacy has become a crucial survival skill.
Omokri’s latest message has therefore reignited conversations around financial planning and the importance of turning earnings into lasting assets, with many seeing his words as both a challenge and a reminder of how mindset determines wealth in the modern world.