Reality TV star and billionaire heir, Terseer Waya, popularly known as Kiddwaya, has come under heavy criticism after calling for public donations to his foundation in a bid to support victims of the recent Yelewata massacre in Benue State.
Following the deadly attacks reportedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen, which left several villagers dead and many others displaced, Kiddwaya, a native of Benue, took to social media to announce that the Kiddwaya Foundation was mobilizing relief efforts.
In a statement, he said:
“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.”
He urged Nigerians to support the effort by donating whatever they could, “₦500 or ₦500,000” and encouraged people to also lend their voices, platforms, and time to amplify the cause.
“Whether it’s your platform, your voice, or your time, donate, share, get involved. Let’s remind the world that Nigerians don’t abandon their own in times of need.”
However, the call for donations has sparked mixed reactions online.
While some praised the initiative and agreed that collective effort is needed in a time of national crisis, many Nigerians called Kiddwaya out, accusing him of being tone-deaf and insensitive, given his billionaire background and luxury lifestyle.
Critics questioned why someone from a wealthy family would ask struggling citizens for money instead of leading with personal financial contribution. Others alleged that he could easily fund the project without public assistance.
See some reactions below:
Phay_roh13 said: “Oga na billionaire u be u still de find our 500/1k.”
zonnaltd commented: “This is how they make their money, drop billing formats makes a lot of money from the donations then give peanut to the people in needs with Camara then start trolling Nigerians while in private jet.”
bigiykesammy said: “Your father said he is worth 2.2billion dollars, u still wan cash out with public money. Collect 2million dollars from your papa. This move na thief move.”
Arinze_Emma9 commented: “It’s not about the donations, many of them still stood up for Tinubu, Alia. See how they decorated everywhere because of man that doesn’t care about a single life, see the flood holding his convoy…these are the leaders they are standing up for. smh.”
comerade01 said: “This one done open business on top benue people head everything is a joke in this country.”
Despite the backlash, some supporters defended Kiddwaya’s move, stating that mobilizing collective action doesn’t mean he isn’t contributing, and that foundations often operate through public funding.
By Ezinne Okorie.
