In the face of growing scrutiny, Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkBlackMan (VDM), has responded to critics questioning the transparency of his NGO’s financial operations. VDM, who gained widespread attention earlier this year after launching his NGO, recently announced the creation of a mobile app to ensure public access to the organization’s income and expenditure records.
The activist first drew significant public attention after announcing substantial donations to his NGO account, including a notable N100 million contribution from music mogul Don Jazzy. However, this windfall also sparked questions about how the funds were being managed, with critics calling for greater accountability.
VDM addressed these concerns in a video shared on social media. He emphasized that his commitment to transparency is unmatched, stating that the app will allow users to track all transactions in real time. “No one has ever been this transparent about their NGO’s finances,” he asserted.
The newly launched app is part of VDM’s efforts to ensure public trust. “The app is available to everyone. You can see every kobo that comes in and goes out,” he said, adding that this step sets a benchmark for transparency in NGO management in Nigeria.
VDM credited the app’s development to collaborative efforts and thanked contributors, including Don Jazzy, for their support. Social media reactions have largely been positive, with many praising his innovative approach to maintaining accountability.
While many applauded VDM’s actions, some critics, including media personality Radiogad, raised additional questions about his previous practice of publicly sharing the NGO’s account balance. Radiogad’s comments reignited debates on social media, with some users defending VDM’s transparency efforts and others seeking further clarif
VDM’s supporters took to social media to commend his proactive measures. One user commented, “Now you have silenced the critics. Well done!” Another added, “This is the level of transparency we need from government officials.”
VDM’s approach has set a precedent for accountability and transparency in the NGO space, with many urging other organizations to adopt similar measures. He continues to advocate for public trust and accountability in all sectors, vowing to maintain openness in his operations.
The development is a significant moment in Nigeria’s nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of transparency in fostering public confidence.
