"Giving Doesn't Always Require Plenty" – Ayo Makun

Popular Nigerian comedian and actor Ayo Makun, better known as AY, has shared his thoughts on the beauty of giving and receiving after he was gifted a new GAC M8 by GAC Motors and CIG Motors.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, he reflected on his years of giving to others and how the moment reminded him that he too can allow himself to be celebrated.

AY noted that over the years, he has given in different ways, including cars to staff, friends, family, cousins, and fellow comedians, as well as creating opportunities and using his platform to help others grow. He said what touches him most is the joy on their faces, adding that you never know what someone is carrying or how much an act of kindness can mean to them.

The father of two also acknowledged that giving comes with its own sacrifices, noting that people see the stage and the laughter but not the long nights, pressure, and moments of self-encouragement.

According to him, receiving the car reminded him that he can also receive with joy, and he expressed gratitude to GAC and CIG Motors for the gift. He urged everyone to help someone when they can, noting that giving does not always require plenty, as sometimes all someone needs is time, encouragement, or an open door.

He also advised people not to feel they have to be strong for everybody every day, adding that sometimes, one should let someone else put a smile on their face.

"So guys, there's a feeling that comes with receiving, especially when you're used to being award-giving. You're grateful, you're excited, and for a moment, you don't even know what to say. So, over the years, I have had the privilege of giving in different ways, through my life stage, giving cars to members of staff and other workers, friends, family, including cousins, even including fellow comedians."

"Sometimes, it was my time. Sometimes, creating an opportunity. Sometimes, it's simply using my platform to help them take their careers to another level. So, watching these moments again, you know, what touches me most is the joy on their faces. Because, you don't always know what somebody is carrying, or how much act of kindness can mean to them. A chance for you to give to someone today can become the story they tell years from now."

"So, but the person giving is also working. It's also hoping. It's also praying. People see the stage, they see the laughter, they see the finished films. They don't always see the long nights, the pressure, or the times you have to encourage yourself. I've had those moments too. And through them, I have kept doing what I do know how to do best. Creating, working, making people laugh, and giving where I can."

"And then came this moment, you know, receiving this beautiful GAC M8. You know, it reminds me that I can also allow myself to be celebrated. I can receive with joy too. You know, even give myself to collect. And that is why I have this one right now. And I'll tell you guys, I collect her with my full chest. And I'm indeed very grateful to GAC and CIG Motors. I want to say thank you for this beautiful car. And also for the warmth, you know, that came with the presentation. Thank you for celebrating me. And for the work that I do, and the ones that we are doing together. And also to everyone who came out to share that beautiful moment with me. I want to say thank you to you all."

"There's one thing I just want you all to take from this. If you have the chance to help someone, do what you can. Giving doesn't always require plenty, I must tell you that. Sometimes, all someone needs is your time, your encouragement, or a door that you are in position to open. And when kindness comes your way, too, as a person, receive it. You don't have to be strong for everybody, every single day. Sometimes, let somebody put a smile on your face, too. I have been blessed to give. And today, I am also grateful to receive. And thank you so very much, GAC. Let me go and do my tour and enjoy myself. See you guys on the other side."