Veteran Nollywood actress, Shaffy Bello, has said she does not judge young women who engage in transactional relationships commonly referred to as “runs”, noting that she understands the economic and social pressures that often lead them into such choices.
Bello made the statement during an interview on The Morayo Show hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown, which later went viral after clips circulated widely on social media platforms including X.
The full conversation was first published on the show’s YouTube channel on May 21, but gained wider attention days later as excerpts sparked online discussions about women, survival, and societal pressure.
Speaking on issues of self-worth, the actress advised young women not to tie their value to body exposure or online attention, stressing that attractiveness and success should not be defined by sexualised visibility.
“There are too many young people out there who need to hear that what you sow matters,” she said, adding that women do not need to expose their bodies or seek viral attention to be valued.
She further stated that women can be attractive and successful without resorting to provocative displays online, saying, “You don’t have to show your body to be sexy, or shake anything to get attention.”
Addressing those involved in transactional relationships, Bello said she does not speak from a place of condemnation, explaining that she understands the financial struggles that push some into such lifestyles.
“If what you’re doing now is being a runs girl to survive, I understand it. I’m not judging you,” she said, while urging them not to remain in that path permanently.
According to her, some young women take such decisions due to responsibilities such as supporting families or paying school fees, but she insisted it should not become a lifelong identity.
“You are more than that. Don’t stay there,” she added.
Bello also reflected on her personal career path, stating that she has chosen to focus on acting rather than diversifying into production for financial gain.
“I’m an actor. I stay in my lane. Money is not everything,” she said, noting that her priority is impact rather than accumulation of wealth.