VeryDarkMan, the controversial social media critic, has opened up on losing the ‘Force for Social Good’ category to Tunde Onakoya, the chess master, at the 2024 Trendupp Awards.
The award event honours influencers, content creators, and brands excelling in the use of social media across diverse fields and platforms. It celebrates originality, highlighting the bold efforts of content producers and influencers.
The fourth edition of the Trendupp Awards was held at the Federal Palace, Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday night.
A total of 102 social media personalities battled for awards in 17 categories.
The chess master, who was nominated alongside VeryDarkMan and four others in the ‘Force For Social Good’ category, however, won the award.
Fans of VeryDarkMan had argued that he was robbed of the activism award.
Addressing the matter, the activist shrugged off the loss while emphasizing that his fight against injustice on social media is driven purely by passion and a commitment for people to change.
VeryDarkMan also argued that he is uninterested in awards and was not aware of his nomination in the first place.
“I just saw a link of a post stating VDM lost a social media award. Wetin I wan use award do? What do you people think we do? Do you people think we do award night?” he asked in a video shared on Instagram.
“People are going through pain, there are communities without water, a lot of people in prison, a lot of people have been scammed. Too many activities to do and I will come to carry myself go dey find award?
“Na now sef I just take note of the thing, wetin be my business? When was my name mentioned? I did not even know I was nominated for an award.
“The last time somebody said anything about an award was Silverbird. I asked if they are going to pay me for the award. Because if you are not going to pay me, why will I come for your award? Wetin I wan use award do.”
Onakoya became a media sensation in April after achieving the world record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in New York City, playing the game for over 58 hours. He is also renowned for his Chess in the Slum initiative.
VeryDarkMan, on the other hand, is an active voice against social vices. He was recently arrested by the Abuja police over alleged cyberbullying.
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