Former Big Brother Naija housemate Kiddwaya has addressed the backlash he received after requesting donations for victims in Benue through his foundation.
He clarified that his intentions were genuine, stemming from his identity as a native son of Benue.
Kiddwaya, the son of billionaire Terry Waya, emphasized that the crisis in Benue, which has led to loss of life and displacement, is a real tragedy. He acknowledged the pain and misunderstanding caused by his donation post and decided to take it down out of respect for his critics.
However, he affirmed his commitment to supporting his community, stating he will continue to use his platform, voice, and resources to help those in need, regardless of the criticism.
In his statement, he said: “I’ve seen the comments and the backlash. I didn’t post about Benue for clout; I posted because I genuinely care. I am a proud Benue man, and what’s happening there breaks my heart. I couldn’t just look away. I took the donation post down because I acknowledged the pain and misunderstanding it caused, not because I’m ashamed of helping, but out of respect for your voices, even the angry ones.
But let’s not forget what this is really about. Right now, people in Benue are being attacked. Families are being torn apart, and lives are being lost—innocent children, mothers, and fathers are being killed or displaced from their homes. That’s the real tragedy here. It hurts, and staying silent in the face of such pain didn’t feel right.
The Kiddwaya Foundation was established for moments like this, to step in where help is needed most. And like all foundations, community support is what gives it life. I can’t fix this crisis alone, but I can and will do my part.
Moving forward, I will continue my journey of supporting my people. Nonetheless, if more of us stand together, we can do even more for Benue and for every Nigerian experiencing pain like this. Let me be clear: I will not stop caring. I will not stop showing up when lives are on the line. I will continue to use what I have—my voice, my platform, and my resources—to help, no matter what anyone says.
This isn’t about me; it never was. It’s about the people of Benue, and I hope that when the noise fades, we’ll all remember what truly matters.”