Comedian Koffi Idowu criticises Nigerian bloggers for misleading youths
By Folashade Olorunfemi –
Nigerian comedian Koffi Idowu has criticised Nigerian bloggers for misleading youths by circulating irrelevant stories. He also warned bloggers against ridiculing entertainers who have other side hustles or switch to other jobs to sustain themselves.
The entertainer issued the warning on Wednesday through a video shared on his Instagram page, where he urged bloggers to use their platforms positively to promote values through youth enlightenment and empowerment, rather than derailing the youth and fostering cyberbullying.
Speaking on a circulating video of Nollywood actor Sunday Afolabi, now a driver, where he was mocked for leaving acting, Koffi urged youths to desist from such acts and allow people to make their choices without ridicule. He maintained that it is the duty of a man to provide for and protect his family by any legitimate means.
He also addressed a similar video of actor Yomi Gold, who is now into farming. A blogger had questioned why the actor would leave Nigeria for farming in the United States. Koffi explained that many entertainers abroad take up other jobs during weekdays and act during weekends, adding that such work also helps them stay active. He revealed that he combines entertainment with delivery jobs during weekdays, which he also enjoys.
Koffi warned bloggers against sharing his videos or pictures without permission, stating that he would charge defaulters and ensure they are held accountable. He urged youths to change the narrative that entertainers who switch careers are unsuccessful, stressing that this is often not the case.
Challenging the Nigerian educational system, he encouraged youths to stop looking down on people engaged in blue-collar jobs, highlighting their relevance in society. He advised young people to enrol in empowerment programmes, noting that there is dignity in labour rather than engaging in meaningless online content for money.
He added that switching careers can enhance versatility, citing himself as an example. Koffi said he studied industrial chemistry before moving into theatre arts, where he has built a career in acting, comedy and music.
The comedian also called on entertainers and advertisers to send their promotional videos to him for free reposting to boost visibility, saying this would help curb the excesses of bloggers who post content solely to generate traffic at the expense of people’s reputation and societal values.
