VDM: A New Wave of Civic Responsibility –By Matthew Ma

On November 29, a remarkable wave of civic enthusiasm swept across Nigeria as young people took to the streets—not to protest or demand government reforms, but to clean their cities. This initiative was inspired by VeryDarkMan (VDM), the outspoken social commentator whose bold and unfiltered critiques of societal complacency have struck a chord with millions of Nigerian youth. Youth from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Benin City, Abuja, and even Taraba State come out to fulfill their civic duty. They cleared drainages, swept streets, and revitalized public spaces. In my 49 years as a Nigerian, I have never witnessed a movement, where an individual, often ridiculed and scorned by many, can rally such a vast crowd. Even in my capacity as a Catholic Priest, I have never seen or heard any of us inspire a gathering of this magnitude to take action for the betterment of Nigeria. What is it about VDM that instills such deep belief in the youth to respond so overwhelmingly?

First, VeryDarkMan (VDM) connects with today’s young Nigerians in a way that is both relatable and honest. In a socio-political landscape where political leaders and traditional institutions are distant from the public, VDM emerges as a refreshing, distinctive voice dedicated to Nigeria’s development. His communication style is grounded not in superiority or elitism but in a shared sense of frustration and disillusionment that resonates with the youth. VDM is unafraid to critique the status quo; instead, he uses his platform to amplify the concerns and aspirations of the younger generation. He encourages young Nigerians to abandon the notion of waiting for miraculous reforms or government interventions, which are often slow and ineffective, and to take ownership of their communities and environments. Therefore, when he speaks, he is not merely sharing opinions; he articulates the dreams, challenges, and hopes of a generation eager for meaningful change.

Second, his message resonated profoundly among Nigeria’s youth. For many years, this generation has been incessantly reminded that they represent the leaders of tomorrow; however, the anticipated “tomorrow” often seems elusive, leaving many feeling disillusioned and inactive. However, the emergence of VDM presents a transformative opportunity for these young Nigerians to engage in nation-building. VDM not only provides a platform for them to express their ideas and aspirations but also empowers them to take meaningful action in their communities. It allows them to transition from passive observers to active participants in driving change, fostering a sense of agency and hope for a brighter future that they can help create.

What made the cleaning initiative remarkable was that VDM did not orchestrate a formal campaign. Instead, he encouraged Nigerians to stop relying on government intervention and to take the initiative themselves, starting with something as straightforward and symbolic as cleaning their surroundings. His followers responded enthusiastically, inundating social media with photos and videos of garbage removal, street sweeping, and community sanitization efforts. Others brought delicious food to share with those cleaning the environment. This thoughtful gesture stood out as a rare occurrence in today’s society, especially among Nigerian youth, where such acts of kindness and solidarity seem to have diminished over time. It was a reminder of the strong bonds that once defined neighborhoods and fostered a sense of togetherness.

Supporters of VeryDarkMan argue that his campaign represents the long-awaited civic awakening Nigeria needs. They commend him for successfully mobilizing the youth in ways that institutions have failed to achieve. Advocates assert that in a country where government-led environmental sanitation initiatives often struggle to engage the public, VDM has inspired thousands of young individuals to take to the streets with brooms, rakes, and trash bags. They conclude that VDM is reshaping the narrative that “the government must do everything,” helping a new generation understand a contemporary model of leadership. However, while supporters acknowledge the positive impact of cleaner streets, critics express significant concerns regarding the broader implications of VDM’s influence. They argue that citizens taking it upon themselves to clean their cities at the behest of an influencer highlights the government’s failure to maintain order and sanitation. Critics caution that movements centered on individual figures, rather than institutional frameworks, may lose momentum when public interest wanes or controversies arise. For them, sustainable civic responsibility requires structural support, not just charisma. As a result, large-scale public mobilization, if not properly coordinated with health or municipal agencies, could lead to poor waste disposal practices or safety hazards, despite the good intentions driving such movements.

Another group of critics within the youth demographic, referred to as the “data boys,” is known for their active participation in online discussions, particularly when they have data readily available on their mobile devices, often disseminated by influential political figures. These young individuals usually use social media to discredit people with opposing viewpoints that do not align with their sponsors’ narratives. Although thousands of young Nigerians eagerly answered VeryDarkMan’s call for an environmental cleanup initiative, data boys in certain regions, including Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and several northern states, chose to direct their energy toward disparaging VDM rather than engage in constructive action. This trend is not surprising; it’s common to hear the sentiment, “As long as you have data, you are good to go.” This phrase signals a concerning normalization of the belief that internet access justifies any form of behavior, including disrespectful discourse. It raises important questions about how we have arrived at a point where using the internet to insult others is not only tolerated but has also become a form of entertainment for some. The implications of this shift are significant, as it reflects deeper issues concerning the values that shape contemporary youth culture in Nigeria.

For Catholics who once participated in the Legion of Mary or the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), we have fond memories of our volunteer days—visiting homes and cleaning neighborhoods without expecting anything in return. Unfortunately, it seems we have lost the spirit of service within our church community. There appears to be a growing disinterest in fulfilling our Christian duty to serve our brothers and sisters freely. Today, a significant number of us have lost sight of our essential identity and responsibilities as both priests and Christians. We have increasingly succumbed to a mentality that places greater importance on the financial rewards we receive for our efforts than on adhering to our spiritual mission and calling. This shift in focus has led many to prioritize monetary compensation over the intrinsic value of serving God and community, creating a disconnect from our original purpose and the teachings we hold dear. It is shocking to hear a priest hesitate to perform a burial ceremony simply because the deceased, while alive, owes money to the church. Our change in perspective has shifted our focus from a genuine Christian vocation to one that is mainly financial.

One fundamental reason that civic initiatives often fail to gain momentum in Nigeria is the notable absence of volunteerism within the national education curriculum. From primary school through university, students are not taught the importance of contributing to their communities without the expectation of financial compensation. In many other countries, volunteer work is integrated into the educational experience: students engage in cleanup campaigns, community teaching, environmental conservation, charity programs, and social outreach as part of their academic journey. These activities shape their perspectives on citizenship, leadership, empathy, and responsibility. In Nigeria, the situation presents a different narrative. Many young people tend to view community service as either a government requirement or an activity undertaken exclusively by NGOs and religious organizations. Although subjects such as Civic Education address citizens’ rights and duties, they often fail to cultivate a culture of active service. This shortcoming has lasting effects that continue to impact various aspects of life.

Nigeria’s educational curriculum emphasizes examinations, theoretical knowledge, and traditional classroom learning. Practical, community-oriented service is often viewed as an ancillary activity—if it is recognized at all. Consequently, the concept of contributing to society without financial compensation feels unfamiliar to many young people, and initiatives that depend on voluntary participation frequently struggle to gain lasting momentum. The recent youth-led cleanup campaigns inspired by VeryDarkMan demonstrate the significant impact of volunteerism when motivated by the right incentives. They also underscore the potential benefits Nigeria could reap when young individuals are encouraged—and equipped—with the knowledge to engage in their communities’ welfare. Unless volunteerism becomes an intentional component of the curriculum, the country will continue to rely on spontaneous movements instead of fostering a sustained culture of civic responsibility.

The impressive turnout at this event underscores an essential lesson for the entire nation: the youth of Nigeria are far from apathetic or disengaged. Instead, they are eager to engage, but seeking authentic leadership and a clear, purposeful direction to guide their efforts. The remarkable achievement of VeryDarkMan, who mobilized this gathering with just a single call, demonstrates the potent influence that genuine social media influencers can wield when they harness their platforms for the collective good. This instance illustrates how a committed voice can galvanize young people toward meaningful participation and action, proving that when given the right motivation and leadership, the youth can be a formidable force for positive change.

While the cleanup campaign may appear straightforward, its importance extends far beyond surface-level actions. It represents a moment in Nigeria’s journey toward greater civic engagement and environmental consciousness. Nigerians must collectively ensure that this transformative movement does not dissipate into forgetfulness. Public institutions have a unique opportunity to recognize the inherent potential within this movement. If our leaders support the youth’s aspirations, their enthusiasm and commitment can create a significant wave of responsibility that reshapes the nation’s environmental landscape. Thus, this is not just about cleaning up; it is about cultivating a culture of accountability that can lead to sustainable practices for years to come.

The youth have made their voices heard not through loud protests or rallies, but rather through brooms, shovels, and wheelbarrows. Now, leaders and policymakers must respond to this energy with equal vigor. They should ensure that the momentum generated by VDM is not only maintained but also enhanced and incorporated into our school curricula. Integrating this into the curriculum would herald a new civic culture in Nigeria—one characterized by shared responsibility, collective action, and actionable hope. The time for words has passed; it is now time for action. Nigerians must heed the call of their youth and recognize the significance of their commitment to civic duty. Together, we can build a cleaner, more conscious nation for future generations.

This movement represents far more than an environmental initiative; it symbolizes a cultural transformation that must extend beyond the present moment. The sustainability of this effort demands more than mere inspiration. Corporate entities, local authorities, and civil society organizations must support these young volunteers by providing resources and coordinating their efforts. If properly nurtured, this initial spark could evolve into a lasting civic culture. Therefore, while VeryDarkMan may have ignited the fire, the future transformation of Nigeria depends on the collective efforts of all, not just an individual. Thus, rather than dismissing this movement as a fleeting social media trend, we urge everyone to engage with the youth, support their initiatives, and establish logistical frameworks to sustain their momentum. VeryDarkMan has shown that leadership in the 21st century can arise from unexpected sources. The youth of Nigeria have responded with determination; now it is the nation’s responsibility to harness this momentum for meaningful change.

Whether we admired him for his impact or criticized him for his approaches, one undeniable truth stands out: VeryDarkMan has achieved a remarkable feat that few public figures have accomplished. He has ignited a nationwide conversation about the importance of civic duty, the qualities of effective leadership, and the influence of social media platforms on public behavior and norms. Whether you like him or not, the truth is that VeryDarkMan has connected with the frustrations and aspirations of Nigerian young people more effectively than many traditional institutions. His direct and unfiltered communication style resonates with those who feel overlooked by political elites, religious leaders, and older generations. His ability to mobilize thousands for environmental cleanup demonstrates that digital personalities can drive real-world action, addressing gaps left by government-led initiatives. The consensus is not that he should be loved, but that we should view him as a figure who expresses what others hesitate to articulate, even if they disagree with his methods. Thus, whether we support or critique him, VDM is advancing conversations about national responsibility, sanitation, corruption, and youth engagement into mainstream discourse. He has firmly positioned himself within Nigeria’s evolving socio-political landscape. Even though VDM is neither a politician nor a conventional community leader, he shapes behavior, sparks conversations, and sets public expectations in real time. Therefore, the sooner we acknowledge his impact, the better it will be for everyone.

Rev. Ma, S. J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest from the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus and a public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.