Former Big Brother Naija contestant Kiddwaya found himself at the center of social media controversy this week after launching a fundraising campaign to support victims of recent bandit attacks in Benue State, prompting him to issue a public clarification of his intentions.
The reality television personality, whose real name is Terseer Kiddwaya and who hails from Benue State, had taken to social media platforms following the tragic incident to solicit donations for his foundation. His appeal encouraged Nigerians to contribute as little as ₦500, emphasizing that “every naira mattered” in providing relief to affected communities.
However, the fundraising post quickly drew criticism from online users, forcing the billionaire’s son to address the mounting backlash. In a subsequent Instagram post on Thursday, Kiddwaya acknowledged the negative reception his charitable initiative had received and announced his decision to remove the original post.
“I acknowledge the pain and misunderstanding caused by my donation post and choose to take it down out of respect for the voices of my critics,” the BBNaija alumnus stated, demonstrating a measured response to the online criticism.
The controversy highlights the complex dynamics surrounding celebrity-led charitable initiatives in Nigeria, where public figures often face scrutiny over their motives and methods when responding to humanitarian crises.
Despite his family’s wealth, Kiddwaya’s attempt to mobilize grassroots support for the victims in his home state appears to have been misinterpreted by segments of the online community.
Kiddwaya, however, remained resolute in his commitment to supporting his fellow Benue natives. He described the crisis that resulted in loss of life and widespread displacement as “a real tragedy” and vowed to continue leveraging his platform and resources to assist those in need.
“He will continue to use his platform, voice, and resources to help those in need, regardless of the criticism,” his statement indicated, suggesting that the social media backlash will not deter his humanitarian efforts.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by public figures when engaging in disaster relief efforts, particularly in Nigeria’s highly polarized social media environment, where intentions are often questioned and scrutinized.
It also reflects the ongoing security challenges in Benue State, which has experienced recurring attacks by armed groups, leading to significant humanitarian needs among local communities.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Former BBNaija star Kiddwaya faced online backlash after launching a fundraising campaign for Benue State bandit attack victims, leading him to remove the post despite genuine intentions to help his home state.
Despite criticism, Kiddwaya remains committed to supporting affected communities, illustrating the challenges public figures face when attempting to utilize their platforms for humanitarian causes in Nigeria’s polarized social media environment.
