Popular Nigerian media personality and actress, Toke Makinwa, has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of enduring years of painful criticism from trolls during her struggles with infertility, singlehood, and the pressures of being a woman in the spotlight. The 39-year-old, who recently revealed her pregnancy with much joy and excitement, took to Instagram stories to share the hurtful comments she faced in the past, especially when she had not yet conceived and had experienced multiple failed IVF attempts.
According to Toke, the barrage of negative remarks was particularly intense during her late 30s, as she approached 40 without a child, while also navigating the realities of being a single woman in a society where motherhood and marriage are often tied to a woman’s worth. She disclosed that she went through two failed IVF procedures, a period marked not just by personal pain but also by public ridicule from online critics who constantly reminded her of her struggles.
Among the many trolling messages she received, one in particular stood out, where a critic cruelly mocked her failed IVF attempts, accused her of snatching other women’s men, and labeled her a “classist” despite her humble beginnings. The comment read in part: “Baby girl, this is why you have tried IVF 2 times and none has worked. This is why you have snatched so many of your girlfriends’ men and none has stuck by you; this consistent need to be a classist and a bully while you come from a low class yourself and understand the struggle.”
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Despite the heavy negativity, Toke emphasized that her reason for posting the old remarks was not to dwell on the pain or amplify online hate, but rather to testify to the faithfulness of God. Now joyfully expecting her first child, she said she wanted to encourage others facing similar struggles to keep believing that their story can change for the better.
“Shared that not to highlight negativity but to bask in the goodness of God and I hope anyone struggling can find the strength to believe that God has the final say,” she explained in her Instagram stories, highlighting how her journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and divine timing.
