On Linda Ikeji Posting Her Brand New 2014 Range Rover On Her Blog

Top Nigerian blogger Linda Ikeji got herself the 2014 Range Rover, said to cost N24million, for her birthday. She shared the photos of the new toy and her fleet of expensive cars on her blog, saying;

“Yay! My dad finally gave me permission to buy the 2014 Range Rover and I’m beyond happy. I’ve wanted this car for so long but he was against me buying it. But it’s my birthday this Friday and he finally agreed that I could buy it for myself as a birthday present.”

Now, a few poeple seem to think there is something off about sharing the pictures of the cars on her blog. Thelma Thinks posted 16 Thoughts on the announcement asking,

“Is she just proud of her achievements and trying to encourage others, or is she trying to make people jealous? Hmmm *thinking*. Ok, why is she showing us her three cars side by side? Now she’s just rubbing it in jor!”

Ada Igboanugo has no issue with the posted pictures but with the commentary. She asks in an article titled Linda Ikeji’s new range rover: Inspiring ladies or sheer pride? 

… why seek validation for a decision she took alone. First off, saying her father ‘’finally gave the permission’’ leaves a lot on the mind to ponder on why she needed his permission in the first place? Did she need his permission? If she did, isn’t that a family matter?
Then she went ahead to talk about feeling guilty for acquiring the car. Why would you venture into something to come out publicly to then say you feel guilty about it? For the purpose of public sympathy? No member of that public is going to take turns driving the car, so why the need to explain yourself?
I believe if you want to do something and you’re convinced within you that it is what you want to do, then you damn the consequences and do it. At least, take a cue from the lives of the people whose stories you post on the blog for doing similar thing. They don’t come back after the post to apologise for it. If you’re afraid of the reactions that would follow or you feel like you have compromised the trust of your followers by almost proving you “are better than them”, then why post it in the first place?

Personally, I’m a bit surprised by such sentiments, because, this is not the first time Linda has shared photos of a new car on her blog. The way I see it, if Linda was a non-blogging celebrity, paparazzi will take and post the pictures. Since Linda IS the paparazzi, she has to do it all herself.
Also, I can’t help remembering the Linda of 5 years ago who was all about family and inspiring people even when she was just a virtual unknown herself. And while remaining yourself when you have touched money is anathema for a lot of people, Linda is still mostly the same today. I say congrats to her.
This is Linda’s advice for young girls:

Now there’s something I want to say to all the young girls reading this. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a man buying you things, but always remember that if you believe in yourselves and your dreams, you work hard and stay focused, there’s absolutely nothing you can’t buy for yourself. I’m not only buying myself cars that I want, I’m in the process of buying my own house, with my own money.
I made it on my own, in my own way and on my own terms. If anybody ever tells you that the only way you can make it in life is by laying on your back, the person lied to you. You don’t have to do that. You shouldn’t do that. You are strong, you are brave, you have been blessed with a talent, find yourself, believe in yourself, push yourself…and never give up. No money is sweeter than your own money, trust me. You can do it. Yes, you! You can do it. Just be patient, pay attention and work your butt off.
It’s not easy trust me…if you think I had success overnight, you thought wrong. November this year will make it eight years that I’ve been blogging. Every single day! Before then I was a model, I was a model manager, I was an events planner, I was a columnist, I wrote a book, then I became a blogger. I put my hands in so many things because I was determined to make it in life. Finally one paid off – blogging.
I’m not better than you, if I can make it, so can you! Just never think the only option you have is men. YOU are an option and once you go to God and tell Him what you want to do and He sees that you are serious, He will lead you, He will guide you and He will make all your dreams come true.
Think about it, the people who are successful in life don’t have two heads. Why can’t you be one of them? You really can be. It’s up to you.
Finally, I will soon start my ‘I Will Rather Be Self Made’ campaign where I will mentor young girls and also help some of you start your own small scale businesses by financing it…so look out for that. I will make an announcement on this soon.