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| Image;Instagram |
In the ever-evolving landscape of activism in Nigeria, where social media has become a powerful megaphone for marginalized voices and issues, the name VeryDarkMan (VDM) stands tall.
A polarizing figure to some and a hero to others, VDM has managed to carve out a niche for himself as a digital activist who doesn’t mince words, thrives on facts, and leverages raw street credibility to hold the powerful accountable.
The question remains: has VDM done enough to be considered one of the prominent activists of this era? While the answer might differ depending on who you ask, an objective analysis reveals that his influence, courage, and consistency place him within the ranks of social disruptors and watchdogs who challenge Nigeria’s power dynamics through unconventional means.
VeryDarkMan, born Martins Otse, rose to fame not through politics or academia, but through the internet specifically, Instagram and TikTok.
What makes him stand out in the saturated world of influencers and content creators is his unwavering dedication to confronting perceived injustice, social vices, and the manipulation of public narratives.
Whether he’s calling out online scammers, exposing hypocrisy in the entertainment industry, or taking on political figures, VDM speaks with an urgency and rawness that resonates with Nigeria’s disillusioned youth.
His activism, although lacking formal structure or affiliation with traditional civil society groups, mirrors the modern reality of grassroots movements. In many ways, VDM represents the “activist next door” unfiltered, untrained, but deeply passionate.
He has shunned elitist language in favor of Pidgin English and relatable expressions, which makes his advocacy digestible for the average Nigerian.
One could argue that activism is not defined by where you speak from, but what you say and the impact it makes. And in that regard, VDM has been impactful.
For instance, when he publicly supported the rights of falsely accused persons or challenged the lavish lifestyles of public figures living off public funds, he contributed to national conversations around accountability.
He may not have led a street protest, but his consistent online presence has led to real-world consequences arrests, refunds, apologies, and even government reactions.
However, critics argue that his methods are too brash, sometimes bordering on defamation or personal vendettas. He has been arrested multiple times, with some of his detractors labeling him a clout chaser who uses controversy as a career ladder.
While these criticisms are not entirely baseless, they also reflect the reality of 21st-century activism noisy, messy, and constantly under scrutiny.
It is also worth mentioning that VeryDarkMan has inspired a new wave of digital accountability. He’s part of a generation that sees smartphones and social media as tools for justice. In an era where many are afraid to speak, VDM has remained unafraid, often saying things others only whisper in private.
To be ranked as one of the activists of this era does not necessarily mean one must follow the conventional path of organizing protests or forming NGOs. Influence, reach, consistency, and the ability to disrupt injustice even digitally are modern metrics of activism. By this standard, VeryDarkMan has done enough to be listed among this generation's boldest activist voices.
He may not be perfect, but neither was Fela, Gani Fawehinmi, or even Sowore. What matters is his unwavering desire to challenge the status quo, speak truth to power, and demand accountability in a society where silence often pays better than resistance.
In a Nigeria where many are paid to look away, VDM chooses to look directly at the problem and speak. That, in itself, is activism.
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