Don Jazzy slams critics for dragging woman who received his donation

File photo: Don Jazzy

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Nigerian music executive Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, on Saturday hit back at social media critics who dragged a young woman on X with the name Itohan Supremos Baby with her handle #itohan_olat.

This is a sequel to his private donation to support her initiative, where she helps people with health challenges, with some labelling her “greedy” and a “scam.”

The criticism intensified after she received the funds, prompting Don Jazzy to respond to one user, #maxvayshia, who tweeted: “Men encourage bad behaviours in women. That girl didn’t even deserve further response from Don Jazzy. Just air her away. But he still sent her millions.”

Responding, Don Jazzy addressed allegations that he only supports women: “Don’t do that. What exactly did she do wrong? I like to help people when I can. I asked for her wish, and she stated she wants to help people, too.

“We all have our wishes, whether big or small. I immediately noticed that people started dragging her, so I entered her DM to try to save her from the long talks on the timeline.

“Also, not to be like I just raised her hopes and left her hanging. She didn’t need to come back to the timeline to tell you guys anything, as she doesn’t owe anyone anything. Is she a government official?”

Adding context, Don Jazzy referenced his November N20 million donation to the Tech Access Project initiated by Ayilola Ayotomiwa, aimed at empowering 10,000 youths with laptops.

“But because of the too much drags, I guess she thought it was best to share the news on the timeline. What is bringing this woman talk now? Is the 20m Laptop brother a woman too?”

Our correspondent, who followed the trend on Saturday morning, the controversy began on December 11, when Itohan tweeted: “I wish that #DONJAZZY would just ask me what I need for Christmas. I promise, I won’t be greedy.”

Don Jazzy responded: “Lol Oya na what do you want? Just cos I like your bio, and I see you engage with my tweets every time. Thanks, I appreciate.”

Itohan listed her requests, including paying off personal debts and launching her “Mercy Foundation” to cover dialysis fees for kidney patients, inspired by the death of her brother from kidney disease.

Reacting, Don Jazzy wrote: “Ahhh, Sister, this your request is giving everlasting expenses on another person’s pocket o. You suppose pity this boy.” She replied: “I am sorry, boss, I wished too big, but I’ll spend any amount with receipts and evidence weekly.”

After seeing her demands, social media users accused her of being “greedy,” triggering widespread criticism and urging Don Jazzy to ignore her requests.

However, some have defended Itohan. #adetunbiowolabi tweeted, “She didn’t mention anything selfish. How is she greedy in this? She wants to pay some debts, then went ahead to talk about her desire to start a foundation helping people, not for herself, but to make an impact. Except you all, as a result of your negative minds, have read a different meaning to her tweet.”

In response to the backlash, Don Jazzy privately sent her a substantial donation.

Itohan later shared a receipt showing six zeros, with the first few digits blurred, indicating the sum could potentially range from hundreds of thousands to millions of naira, though she did not personally state the exact amount

Still addressing the backlash, Don Jazzy remarked: “Yet they are labelling her entitled. Pot calling kettle black.”

He criticised those who expect assistance but drag others for receiving help, citing a user, #IamBagzy, who tweeted:

“Hmmm, I’ve been begging you to help me start my business, but you refused, but you can send millions to a girl. I don’t know why people in Nigeria always do this, and I really have a lot of respect for you.” Don Jazzy responded: “Come beat me collect am.”

He further addressed perceptions of entitlement in general, responding to another user, #lex_simon_, who suggested he was upset over the Tech Access Project, “Lmao, one thing is certain from this post.. That 20m laptop guy matter dey vex Don Jazzy.”

Clarifying, he said: “No, it’s not. Anybody I gave that money to would face the same problem he is facing. That’s one of the reasons I don’t have an NGO.

“Cos all of a sudden everyone feels entitled to money that cannot go around everybody. There is no way he will satisfy everyone who needs a laptop here.”

In an earlier tweet reflecting on his philanthropy, he added: “Unfortunately, I can’t help everybody.”

Responding to the N20 million donation, the organiser of the Tech Access Project said he has faced intense backlash, describing the experience as emotionally draining and damaging.

“At some point, I considered refunding the ₦20m, but I decided against it because I didn’t want the naysayers to win,” he said, adding that he felt “exhausted and broken.”

He noted that his team added 15 laptops worth ₦3.9 million from their own funds to make a total of 100, demonstrating accountability.

Despite these efforts, he said the attacks continued, leaving him questioning whether the work was worth the personal toll. “Sometimes I read certain tweets and break down in tears,” he said.

Adding that encouragement from Don Jazzy and appreciative youths has kept him going. “Seeing Don Baba finally clear the air about the 10k Laptops Project left me speechless. It really poured cold water on my boiling emotions,” he said.

Meanwhile, Itohan has also expressed gratitude for Don Jazzy’s donation and outlined how it is being used to assist dialysis patients.

“God is faithful. I wished, and it came to pass. Thank you so much. The dragging was worth it. God bless you, sir,” she wrote.

She explained: “Since you are not in Abuja and I can’t verify your claims physically, I can only send something to your hospital’s account to assist you. I will physically be going to hospital dialysis wards to help out as much as I can. That means only Abuja can benefit. Get well soon.”

The first patient, Amadi Faith Kelechi, received ₦200,000 to the hospital account after posting a video pleading for help, while the second, Fakutiju Solomon, received ₦150,000 for dialysis treatment costing ₦75,000 per session twice a week.

Both publicly thanked Don Jazzy for his support. So far, a total of ₦350,000 has been spent directly to assist patients.

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