President Muhammadu Buhari addressed the Nigerian public for the second time in 2 weeks and in his speech, he appreciated the Nigerian celebrities for the awareness made. Celebrities are people other members of the society look up to. Can we say Nigerian celebrities have done well to make the first citizen’s speech is a question that needs to be answered?
Before the lockdown and the rise in number of cases, many Nigerian celebrities were housed in a place in the name of the AMVCA awards. It featured Nollywood actors and actresses, reality TV show stars, OAPs, musicians, fashionistas and others. It was reported thereafter that someone who tested positive was at the event and attendees were to self-isolate.
This was the first call of action on Nigerian celebrities. Many of the attendees such as Adesua-Etomi-Wellington, Ebuka Uchendu, and others made sure they enlighten others to stay at home in order to help the society at large. They joined with the Lagos state ministry of health to stop stories that touch the heart.
The numbers of positive cases have increased while deaths have been recorded in parts of the country with the largest percentage of occurrence in Lagos state. The Federal government has since ordered total lockdown of 14days twice in Lagos, Ogun, and FCT. The message has been to stay indoors and follow other measures provided by NCDC.
The Federal government order of total lockdown has affected many Nigerians especially those who rely on daily pay to survive. Nigerians have complained and have tried to go against government’s directives. Some Nigerian celebrities have played their part in making their fellow citizens pass through this difficult time.
Nigerian Celebrities and Roles Played During This Lockdown
As soon as the lockdown order was given, some Nigerian celebrities made sure they join the government to sensitize citizens on why they have to stay indoors. For some, it’s a time to blast the government and others a time to help with what they could to survive the lockdown and the impact of coronavirus pandemic on their daily/monthly income.
Those Who Joined to Sensitize People on Staying at Home
Singer Simi and husband, Adekunle Gold make use of their social media to enlighten Nigerians on why they have to stay at home. Although they got some sticks from followers for telling people to stay indoor when there is no provision to do so, yet they realize the importance of staying at home at times like this.
Mayorkun also made an awareness in style as he uploaded a video of how he spends his day. The ‘Geng’ crooner showed how he stayed safe and healthy by washing hands with soap and water then sanitizer. The whole activities for the day end in the house which is not without a date with Netflix. The video trended and people learnt how to stay at home.
Actress, Funke Akindele also used her capacity as an ambassador of the NCDC to sensitize Nigerians on the measures to be taken during this period only to go against what she preached by hosting a loud party and was relieved of her ambassadorial roles.
Many other artists and Nollywood actors used their social media to inform Nigerians to stay at home while this pass. This has made the President appreciate their effort in his latest speech.
Those Who Mocked the Government
Nigerian celebrities have also used this pandemic to mock the government who are unable to travel for medical aid in a time like this. Rudeboy in a video lyrically mocked the government for not providing good hospitals but they don’t have options but to use the dilapidated ones around.
Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend, Fela-Anikulapo-Kuti also showed his grievances. He stated that the government are only copying the whites for giving a lockdown order as Nigeria isn’t a place for such order to work due to the high poverty rate.
Grammy nominee, Burna Boy also mocked the Nigerian government in a social media video post after the inferno that gutted the Accountant-General of the Federation’s office. The ‘Ye’ crooner also blast his compatriots for not calling out politicians but celebrities. He however got sticks from Nigerians as he was dragged by social media users.
Those Who Helped with Relief Funds
Many celebrities and well-meaning Nigerians have used this time to help others. Some celebrities have doled out cash in the name of giveaways on their social media accounts.
Michael Colins Ajereh aka Don Jazzy leads the celebrities to give out cash on daily basis to Nigerians. He recently gave out #100,000 to an old woman who wants to have sex with any man who could give her #500. He has also shared cash with several others who have shown their appreciations on the internet.
Other celebrities who have helped out with cash as relief funds in this period include DJ Jimmy Jatt, Runtown, Peruzzi, Tunde Ednut, among others.
This is a bit of what Nigerian celebrities have been up to during this time of total lockdown worldwide. Do share with us your comment on this piece in the comment section. Thanks for reading this piece.
