Shaffy Bello: You Can Be Sexy Without Showing Your Body

By Ayo Onikoyi

Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello explained why she understands the appeal of transactional relationships—commonly referred to as “runs”—among some young women, but she cautioned against remaining in that lifestyle. She emphasized the importance of personal growth and self‑worth beyond survival strategies.

Bello shared these thoughts during an interview on The Morayo Show, hosted by Morayo Afolabi‑Brown. The full conversation was posted on the show’s YouTube channel on May 21 and later went viral after excerpts were shared on X and other social‑media platforms.

Addressing the theme of self‑worth, Bello said that women do not need to expose their bodies or chase online attention to be considered attractive or successful. “There are too many children out there, too many babies my age younger that needs my voice that needs to hear that the seeds that you sow matter,” she said. “That needs to hear, ‘No, you don’t have to show your boobs to be sexy.’ That needs to hear, ‘No, you don’t have to shake your bum bum to go viral or get attention.’”

She also spoke to women who turn to runs for financial survival, acknowledging the realities that drive such decisions without passing judgment. “And if what you’re doing now is being a runs girl to make money, you don’t have to stay there. I understand it. I’m not knocking you. I never judge,” Bello added.

She highlighted that some women are compelled into these arrangements by financial responsibilities, such as supporting family members or paying school fees. “If that’s what you have to do right now… some girls are doing it because they need to feed mum, they need to send their aburo to school. I understand it. However, my darlings, don’t stay there. You are more than that,” she urged.

Reflecting on her career, Bello reaffirmed her commitment to acting, stating that it remains her calling. “I’m an actor. Every actor doesn’t have to be a producer. I face my lane. I do what God asked me to do,” she said. She added that while some industry peers diversify into production for financial reasons, she prioritises purpose over profit. “If I sit and go do films, I’m looking for more money. No, money is not everything,” Bello said.

The post “You don’t have to show your body to be sexy — Shaffy Bello” first appeared on Vanguard News.