Actress and controversial media figure Toke Makinwa has disclosed that she no longer purchases gifts for men that she dates
Speaking on a recent episode of her Toke Moments podcast, which included reality star Beauty Tukura as a guest, Makinwa claimed that she stopped purchasing presents for men because of an encounter she had as an undergraduate with an older man.
She described how spending her school tuition to pay for her older boyfriend’s birthday celebration upset her when she discovered he was unfaithful.`
“I stopped buying men gifts after I dated a man who was 10 years older than me. I spent my university semester’s school fees to celebrate his birthday and took him to an Italian restaurant on Victoria Island.
“He ordered everything on the menu. When we got home…there was another woman in his house. That broke me,” she stated.
In September 2025, Toke Makinwa shed light on her failed marriage and how she found the strength to walk away despite public judgement.
In an interview with media host Chude Jideonwo, the actress and entrepreneur described the difficulties of living through a highly scrutinised relationship while dealing with private struggles many did not understand.
ALSO READ: Toke Makinwa Opens Up About Failed Marriage and Public Criticism
According to Makinwa, people often misjudge survivors, assuming their challenges were not severe simply because they emerged alive and continued their lives.
She noted that society sometimes envies those who bounce back stronger, rather than drawing inspiration from their recovery.
“People like to say it must not have been that bad because you didn’t die. But if someone comes back 10 mins stronger, it unsettles others. Instead of learning from it, they see your strength as a threat. Until you have walked in my shoes, don’t comment on it,” she said.
Toke further explained that the public nature of her marriage ultimately influenced her decision to leave. If the relationship had been private, she admitted she might have considered staying longer.
However, the overwhelming scrutiny, coupled with the intensity of her emotions, made the situation unsafe for her well-being.
“Maybe I could have stayed if it wasn’t so public. But the way I loved this person would have been dangerous for me. If I stayed, how I felt would have consumed my entire life,” she added.
The mother of one emphasised that choosing herself over remaining in a toxic environment was the only way to preserve her life and future, even though the process of walking away was not easy.
