In a recent interview with Meristem, Nigerian creative entrepreneur Femi Dapson opened up about how his relationship with media personality Simi Sanya began, sharing details that have sparked interest from fans of the couple.

During the interview, Dapson recounted a candid moment from his past, saying, “The first time I saw her, I was driving one rickety Avalon and I didn’t talk to her. I talked to her when I started making some money.” His statement has since stirred reactions online as followers reflect on the early beginnings of their now public love story.

Femi Dapson’s reference to a “rickety Avalon” provides insight into his life before achieving the financial success he enjoys today. The car he described suggests a period of struggle rather than affluence, a fact that he contrasted with the confidence he gained later in life. According to Dapson, it was only after improving his financial situation that he felt comfortable approaching Simi Sanya.

His comments highlighted a blend of vulnerability and practicality, illustrating how his early financial constraints may have influenced his confidence. “I didn’t talk to her” at first was not a dismissal of interest. Rather, it was an admission that he believed he needed to be in a more stable position before pursuing someone he admired.

Fans responded to the revelation with a mixture of amusement and support. Many applauded Dapson for his humility and honesty, saying his story makes the couple’s relationship more relatable. Some followers said his comments reminded them that confidence and timing can play a significant role in romantic beginnings.

The moment was part of a longer discussion during Dapson’s interview on Meristem’s platform, where he spoke about career growth, personal growth and the challenges he overcame on his way to success. His relationship with Simi Sanya has been one of the more visible celebrity love stories in Nigeria in recent years, especially after their dramatic engagement and highly publicised Valentine’s billboard moment in Lekki.

During the interview, Dapson did not shy away from reflecting on how far he has come. By contrasting his past struggles with his current success, he offered a narrative of growth that resonated with many young Nigerians who are navigating similar journeys in their careers and personal lives.

His comments also showcased a level of self-awareness that some fans say has helped shape his approach to relationships. Instead of focusing solely on romantic chemistry, Dapson spoke about the importance of self-improvement and ensuring he was in a place where he could give more to a relationship emotionally and materially.

Within hours of clips from the interview circulating online, social media was abuzz with reactions. Some users praised Dapson for speaking candidly about his early life, calling his honesty refreshing in a world where many celebrities prefer to present only their best moments. Others saw his story as a testament to perseverance and personal evolution.

Commentators also noted that his reflection aligns with a broader conversation about how people approach relationships. Many observers said that Dapson’s remarks about waiting to talk to her until later reflected a desire to be “ready” before entering a serious conversation, a sentiment that some found relatable.

Entertainment writers emphasised that his comments were part of a longer narrative about growth, suggesting that his interview with Meristem offered a deeper understanding of how his personal and professional life intertwined.

As clips from the interview continue to circulate online, many of Dapson’s followers expressed admiration for the way he handled the conversation — not just about money, but about timing, confidence and maturity in relationships.