Agency Flays Online Behaviours By VeryDarkMan, King Mitchy

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has condemned what it described as dangerous and irresponsible behaviour by activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and philanthropist Mitchelle Mukoro, known as King Mitchy, warning that such actions could negatively influence young Nigerians.

The director of communication and media at the agency, Bala Musa, in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Weekend, criticised recent online content allegedly involving risky stunts and the use of harmful substances, saying such behaviour sends the wrong message to impressionable youths.

Musa said the agency strongly condemned the promotion of activities that could endanger lives, particularly when carried out by individuals who command large followings on social media and are widely regarded as role models by young people.

“For us in the NOA, we strongly condemn what they are doing in the social media space—taking substances that are dangerous and can cause a lot of damage to the human system,” he said.

According to him, influencers occupy positions of influence and should act responsibly because many young people look up to them for guidance and inspiration.

He warned that negative portrayals on social media could encourage teenagers and other impressionable youths to imitate such behaviour without fully understanding the potential risks.

“If they are engaging in this kind of unwholesome and very unfortunate behaviour, it reflects poorly on them. The youth may try to copy them, and if they take the real substances, the consequences could be disastrous,” Musa added.

The NOA spokesperson urged social media personalities to use their platforms to promote positive values and responsible conduct that would inspire young Nigerians.

“My advice is that they should desist from such acts and do things that are positive—things that will portray them as real leaders and influencers so that the youth will be proud of them tomorrow,” he said.

The agency reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible communication and protecting young people from harmful influences in the digital space.