From Fela To VDM: Are Nigerians Fighting The Right Battle Or Just Adjusting To The System

In recent times, VeryDarkMan (VDM) has gained attention for mobilizing young Nigerians through social media and organizing monthly clean-up exercises across communities.

At first glance, this looks like progress citizens coming together to fix their environment.

But beyond the surface, a deeper question is beginning to emerge:

Are Nigerians truly solving the problem… or slowly adapting to it?

The Shift From Resistance To Adjustment

Nigeria has always had voices that challenged the system.

One of the most powerful was Fela Kuti not just a musician, but a symbol of resistance.

Fela didn’t organize people to do the government’s work.

He confronted power directly

He challenged authority openly

He took risks in real life not just in words

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His fight was not about replacing the system.

It was about forcing the system to work.

Modern Activism: Awareness Without Pressure?

Today, activism has evolved.

VDM represents a new generation:

• Strong online presence

• Direct communication with the public

• Ability to mobilize people quickly

But the method is different.

Instead of focusing energy on confronting institutions, much of the action stays:

Online

Or within the community

The monthly clean-up is a clear example.

While it shows unity, it also raises a serious concern:

Are citizens now doing what the government is meant to do?

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Where The Real Power Lies

Governments don’t change because people clean streets.

They change when:

• Citizens demand accountability

• Institutions are pressured

• Leaders are forced to respond

This is where many believe the focus should shift.

If Nigerians can gather every month to clean,

they can also gather to demand better systems.

The Risk Nobody Is Talking About

There is a silent danger in all of this.

If people continue to:

• Fix problems themselves

• Without demanding accountability

It may slowly normalize failure

A broken system can survive longer when people keep adjusting to it.

Not A Criticism But A Call For Direction

This is not about attacking VDM or dismissing his efforts.

The movement has created awareness, unity, and participation all important.

But movements evolve.

And this moment may require something more:

Turning awareness into structured, real-world pressure on governance

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Final Thought

Nigeria is changing.

People are thinking more deeply.

The question is no longer just:

“What can we do ourselves?”

But now:

“How do we make the system do what it is meant to do?”

Because in the long run,

a country cannot grow if its people permanently take over the duties of its institutions.