BBNaija’s Kiddwaya Responds to Criticism with Heartfelt Message After Benue Donation Appeal Backlash

 

Former Big Brother Naija housemate and philanthropist, Terseer Waya, popularly known as Kiddwaya, has opened up about the backlash that followed his recent call for public donations to assist victims of the devastating bandit attacks in Benue State.

Taking to social media earlier this week, the reality star and son of Nigerian billionaire Terry Waya made a passionate plea for Nigerians to contribute to his foundation's humanitarian efforts. He asked citizens to donate any amount they could, even as little as ₦500, stating that every contribution mattered in the effort to provide relief for displaced families. The move, however, was met with mixed reactions, with critics accusing him of seeking attention and using the crisis for personal gain.

Despite the uproar, Kiddwaya remained resolute in his intentions. On Thursday, he addressed the situation in a heartfelt post on his Instagram page, where he provided clarity on his motivation and acknowledged the criticism his initial message had received. According to him, the appeal was made from a place of compassion, grounded in his roots as a proud son of Benue.

He explained that the donation post had been removed, not out of regret for wanting to help, but because he became aware of the pain and misunderstanding it stirred among some members of the public. Respect for those voices, he said, compelled him to take a step back and reflect.

What has been happening in Benue is deeply troubling. The recent wave of attacks has left families shattered, homes destroyed, and communities displaced. Kiddwaya expressed profound grief over the situation, emphasizing that the humanitarian crisis unfolding in his state is personal and devastating.

“I’ve seen the comments. I hear the backlash. I didn’t post about Benue for clout, I posted because I genuinely care,” he wrote. “I am a Benue indigene and a proud Benue man. What’s happening there breaks my heart, and I couldn’t just look away.”

He went further to highlight the human cost of the violence. Children, parents, and entire households have either been killed or forced to flee for their lives. According to Kiddwaya, these are the real victims, and their suffering should remain the focus of any discussion.

His foundation, The Kiddwaya Foundation, was set up to respond to such moments of crisis, he explained. It exists to provide a lifeline where official support often falls short. Like all charitable efforts, he said, its ability to make a difference relies heavily on community participation and unity of purpose.

While acknowledging the backlash, he reiterated that it would not deter him from doing what he believes is right. He committed to continuing his advocacy for the people of Benue, regardless of public opinion or misinterpretation of his motives.

Kiddwaya stressed that his involvement is not about personal gain or public praise. Rather, it is about leveraging his platform, influence, and resources to bring relief where it's needed most.

He added, “I took the donation post down because I saw the pain and misunderstanding it caused, not because I’m ashamed of helping, but because I respect your voices, even the angry ones.”

The message concluded with a renewed call for unity and compassion. Kiddwaya appealed to Nigerians to remember that the real issue at hand is the suffering of innocent citizens who have become victims of violence. He urged everyone to stand together in the face of such tragedy and to remember what truly matters: human lives.

As a public figure with a large following, Kiddwaya’s words carry weight. His decision to address the situation candidly shows a level of emotional maturity that many fans and observers have praised, even as others remain skeptical.

While debates around celebrities and philanthropy are nothing new in Nigeria’s social media space, this episode serves as a reminder of the complexities that come with public advocacy, especially in emotionally charged contexts. It also underscores the importance of communication, timing, and tone when addressing sensitive issues.

Kiddwaya, for his part, seems determined to stay the course. His message makes it clear that he will not abandon the people of Benue, even in the face of criticism. He has promised to keep showing up and using what influence he has to bring about change.

As he put it, “This isn’t about me. It never was. It’s about the Benue people, and I hope that when the noise fades, we’ll all remember what truly matters.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kidd (@kiddwaya)