Kiddwaya Faces Backlash Over Public Appeal for Donations to Support Benue Attack Victims

Reality TV star and billionaire heir Kiddwaya has come under fire after launching a public appeal for donations to support victims of the recent attacks in Benue State.

Through the Kiddwaya Foundation, he called on Nigerians to contribute whatever they could—whether ₦500 or ₦500,000—to help provide food, shelter, and other relief materials to displaced families. The appeal was made via a statement posted on his official X account:

“Our brothers and sisters in Benue are suffering. Communities have been torn apart by violent attacks, leaving families displaced, hungry, and grieving.
This is not just a Benue crisis, it’s a Nigerian crisis.
At the Kiddwaya Foundation, we are mobilizing resources to support those affected. But we can’t do it alone. Whether it’s ₦500 or ₦500,000, every naira counts. Whether it’s your platform, your voice, or your time—every effort matters.”

Kiddwaya included bank account details for donations and urged the public to share and support the cause.

But the gesture quickly sparked criticism, with many accusing him of being out of touch. Critics pointed to his history of flaunting wealth, questioning why someone from a wealthy background would ask ordinary Nigerians to donate.

One viral comment read:

“Kiddwaya, the same man who once dropped $30,000 on Whitemoney for making jollof rice, is now asking struggling Nigerians—with cracked screens and low data—to send ₦500 to his foundation.”

Another user wrote:

“Instead of donating quietly, you chose to make a public show of asking for help? Sell one of your Rolex watches and feed an entire community.”

Despite the backlash, some Nigerians came to his defense, praising the initiative and noting that collective efforts—no matter how small—can make a big difference. Others highlighted Kiddwaya’s past philanthropic work, including scholarships awarded to students from Benue State.

So far, Kiddwaya has not responded to the criticism, choosing instead to focus on rallying more support for his home state.