Tag: social impact

  • Burna Boy and VDM Visit Kirikiri Prison to Free Inmates

    Burna Boy and VDM Visit Kirikiri Prison to Free Inmates

    A TikTok video by @verydarkman_official has captured the moment global superstar Burna Boy and controversial activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) visited the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre. During the visit, Burna Boy reportedly donated $145,000 to facilitate the release of inmates held for minor offenses.

    The collaboration between the ‘African Giant’ and the social media critic has shocked many, given their vastly different public personas. The visit aims to draw attention to the plight of prisoners in the Nigerian correctional system and the need for judicial reform regarding petty crimes.

    Crowds gathered at the prison gates as the duo arrived, with Burna Boy seen interacting with the facility’s officials. This move marks a significant shift for the singer toward more direct social activism in 2026.

    As documented by The Nation Nigeria, ‘Burna Boy and VDM’s visit to Kirikiri has elicited massive talk online, particularly regarding the singer’s $145k donation.’ Vanguard Nigeria further supported the development, quoting an official: ‘The donation will be used strictly for the legal fees and fines of those eligible for release.’

    Echotitbits take: This is a masterclass in PR and social impact. By partnering with VDM, Burna Boy taps into a grassroots audience that values ‘street’ credibility and direct action. It positions him as a local benefactor.

    Source: Tribune — https://tribuneonlineng.com/burna-boy-verydarkman-visit-kirikiri-set-to-pay-fines-for-inmates/ January 5, 2026
    Photo Credit: Tribune

  • Oluremi Tinubu’s @65 Education Fund closes at ₦25.52bn for National Library project

    Oluremi Tinubu’s @65 Education Fund closes at ₦25.52bn for National Library project

    2026-01-01 07:50:00
    According to The Nation, the Oluremi @65 Education Fund—set up around Nigeria’s First Lady’s 65th birthday—closed after raising ₦25.52bn, tied to education support and the National Library project.

    The disclosure puts a hard figure to a fundraising drive that drew attention for both its scale and the stated goal of moving a long-delayed national institution toward completion.

    Execution is now the key issue: procurement transparency, governance structure, and clear milestones that show the money translates into measurable progress.

    The Guardian Nigeria also reported the fund “has closed after raising” ₦25,520,708,074.35.

    BusinessDay similarly stated the appeal “had reached a total of ₦25,520,708,074.35” as of December 31, 2025.

    Echotitbits take:

    Nigerians will support public-good projects when trust is high. Watch for an auditable dashboard, published milestones, and transparent contracting—otherwise the story risks ending as a headline without delivery.

    Source: The Nation — January 1, 2026 (https://thenationonlineng.net/oluremi-65-education-fund-raises-n25-52bn-for-national-library-project/)

    The Nation 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Burna Boy and VeryDarkMan visit Kirikiri as prison-fines conversation trends

    Burna Boy and VeryDarkMan visit Kirikiri as prison-fines conversation trends

    Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle

    2025-12-28

    According to TheCable Lifestyle, Burna Boy and activist VeryDarkMan visited the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre to understand the procedures for discharging eligible inmates whose sentences include fines.

    Authorities framed the visit around lawful process and transparency, while online chatter focused on what support might follow and how outcomes will be tracked.

    The episode sits at the intersection of celebrity influence, prison decongestion advocacy, and public trust.

    Verification

    • The Nation (Website): “to seek information on legal procedures that would facilitate the discharge of inmates through the payment of fines.”
    • Nigerian Tribune (Website): “No inmate is released without proper verification, documentation, and authorization…”

    Echotitbits take: If handled transparently, this could evolve from a one-off visit into a structured, legal-aid-driven initiative. Watch for official documentation, credible partners, and verifiable outcomes before the story becomes pure social-media mythology.

    Source: TheCable Lifestyle — December 28, 2025 — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/burna-boy-verydarkman-visit-kirikiri-to-secure-release-of-inmates-jailed-for-unpaid-fines/

    TheCable Lifestyle
    2025-12-28