The recent actions of Neneh Kebe, a Gambian businesswoman, who publicly splashed money on Senegalese artist Wally Seck have ignited a fierce debate on social media. While some see it as an unnecessary display of extravagance, others defend her right to spend her hard-earned money as she wishes.

The debate reflects a broader question, to what extent should financial success come with a sense of social responsibility?

It is, of course, a fundamental truth that no one has the right to dictate how another person spends their income. Yet, for those aspiring to build and sustain wealth, it is worth considering the long-term consequences of such ostentatious displays.

The world’s wealthiest individuals  are rarely known for wasteful spending. Their success is often attributed to financial discipline and strategic choices, not lavish displays of wealth. Had they embraced a lifestyle of excess, they likely would not have risen to their current stature.

Religious teachings caution against extravagance, and economists often highlight its inefficiencies. For a country like The Gambia, where nearly half of the population lives below the World Bank’s poverty line, these principles carry particular resonance.

The challenges facing many Gambians are stark. Orphanages are underfunded, countless children face barriers to education, and widows struggle daily to provide for their families. In such a context, displays of wealth can feel particularly jarring, even if the money in question is legitimately earned.

This is not a call to police individual spending habits. Rather, it is an appeal to consider the potential impact of thoughtful generosity. Those with financial means have an opportunity to play a transformative role in their communities, whether through supporting education, empowering single mothers, or funding initiatives to alleviate poverty.

At a time when The Gambia faces significant socio-economic challenges, the question is not just about how one spends their money, but about the legacy they wish to leave behind.