REALITY TV STAR UNDER FIRE FOR SOLICITING DONATIONS FOR BENUE MASSACRE VICTIMS

Amid nationwide outrage following the deadly herdsmen attack in the Yelewata community of Benue State, reality TV star and billionaire heir, Kiddwaya, has found himself at the center of public scrutiny. Kiddwaya, a native of Benue, took to his social media pages to announce that his foundation—the Kiddwaya Foundation—had launched a donation drive to support survivors of the horrific attack. In his appeal, he urged the public to contribute whatever they could, stating that the foundation was actively mobilizing resources but could not shoulder the burden alone.
The foundation’s message read in part: “At the Kiddwaya Foundation, we are mobilizing resources to provide food, shelter, and essential support to those affected. But we can’t do it alone—we need your help.” The call for donations further emphasized that every contribution, no matter how small—₦500 or ₦500,000—would make a difference in bringing relief to grieving families and displaced survivors. Kiddwaya encouraged Nigerians to use their platforms, time, and voices to raise awareness, declaring, “Let’s remind the world that Nigerians don’t abandon their own in times of need.”
However, the gesture has been met with significant backlash online. Critics questioned why Kiddwaya, the son of billionaire businessman Terry Waya, was seeking donations from the public instead of fully funding the relief himself. Many argued that as someone from a privileged background with extensive wealth and influence, he could have taken the lead by providing immediate assistance before calling on Nigerians—many of whom are struggling economically—to contribute. Some have labeled the campaign as a publicity stunt, while others defended him, saying that mobilizing communal support is not mutually exclusive from individual philanthropy. The controversy highlights the tension between celebrity influence and expectations of social responsibility in a country reeling from repeated tragedies.