By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Some of Nigeria’s social media influencers have been giving out cash to a number of their followers on Twitter to help them cope with the lockdown the government recently announced.
Apart from the lockdown of many states which took effect since last week, President Muhammadu Buhari announced a fresh one beginning from today, March 30 at 7 pm for the next 14 days for residents of Abuja, Lagos and Ogun. This has compounded the financial situations of many artisans and other Nigerians whose sustenance depend on going out daily. The government did not however make provision for these Nigerians during this period.
Former social media assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, is among the influencers giving out cash to his followers.
He, however, has exemptions. “If you hyped General @MBuhari or campaigning for him do NOT come to beg on my profile. If not, I will expose you. I keep records. You can’t sow Buhari and reap my hard earned money. Instead, go and beg on Buhari’s timeline,” he tweeted.
Publisher of The Boss Newspaper, Dele Momodu, has also been giving out cash.
He tweeted today, March 30, that the giveaway will continue tomorrow. “Some of my followers should have received bank alerts from me by now. I have apparently reached my bank limit and don’t have my token on me. I will settle more people tomorrow, by God’s grace, ” he tweeted.
Aside his giveaway, former chairman of the Road Safety Corps, Osita Chidoka, encouraged other well to do Nigerians to also get involved in the reach out.
“If you can afford, please give #2000+ to those around you who are in need during this lockdown. I started with those who approached me yesterday. We will scale soon. If you can please indicate so we can encourage others to give. Don’t add names of recipients,” he said in a tweet.
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