Catholic Priest Rev. Fr. Angelo Warns Viral Conflicts Are Clever Tactics Steering Attention Away From Nigeria's Core Problems [VIDEO]

 

Nigerian social media has recently been abuzz with discussions surrounding the altercation between VDM and Mr Jollof, yet a Catholic priest believes these incidents may serve a deeper purpose than mere entertainment. Rev. Fr. Chidi Angelo Unegbu has suggested that such highly publicized episodes are not simply random viral moments, but rather orchestrated distractions aimed at diverting public attention from the pressing issues facing the nation.

Rev. Fr. Unegbu expressed concern over the nature of conversations dominating Nigerian social media platforms. According to him, the public's fascination with fights and confrontations, such as the mid-flight clash between VDM and Mr Jollof, reflects a broader pattern of distraction carefully cultivated to keep critical societal problems out of the limelight. He emphasized that these spectacles encourage citizens to focus on temporary controversies rather than engage with long-standing issues that affect the country’s political, economic, and social well-being.

The priest shared his thoughts on Facebook, warning against the tendency to be swept up by viral content. He wrote, “It seems that some people are deliberately promoting these diversionary tactics on Nigerian social media to prevent people from discussing the country's real problems. Today, it is fighting on airplanes. Stop falling for all these distractions.” His statement highlights a growing concern among civic leaders and observers who believe that public attention is being steered toward sensationalism, leaving critical debates and policy discussions largely ignored.

Unegbu’s remarks suggest that the proliferation of viral conflicts may be part of a broader societal pattern in which sensational events are emphasized at the expense of meaningful dialogue. Many Nigerians engage with these stories through shares, comments, and reactions, fueling the visibility of trivial controversies while often overlooking deeper conversations about governance, security, economic stability, and social reforms. By framing these viral moments as diversionary tactics, the priest challenges citizens to reconsider the content they consume and how it shapes public priorities.

Experts in social media dynamics and public opinion have noted that viral incidents often overshadow discussions on systemic issues. In this context, Unegbu’s intervention resonates with calls for greater awareness of how online engagement can influence national discourse. He encourages the public to critically assess trending stories and reflect on whether such attention aligns with the country’s urgent needs, or if it merely serves as a convenient distraction from meaningful civic participation.

The discussion around VDM and Mr Jollof, while entertaining, illustrates a more complex problem: the manipulation of collective focus in ways that can impede societal progress. By highlighting the possibility of deliberate distraction, Rev. Fr. Unegbu urges Nigerians to redirect energy and conversations toward confronting real challenges, rather than being absorbed by fleeting social media spectacles. His call serves as a reminder that amidst viral stories, the country’s pressing problems deserve continuous attention, thoughtful debate, and actionable solutions. 

Mr Jollof is trending because he and VeryDarkMan had a physical fight in a plane from Asaba to Lagos this morning, over a beef from 2024.

VDM kept to his promise of attacking him anytime anywhere. But Jollof landed more successful punches.

Apparently, in the United Airline… pic.twitter.com/z5APTHp1Ok

— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) November 17, 2025