Who Is VeryDarkBlackMan?

Vincent Martins Otse, widely known by his moniker VeryDarkBlackMan, is a rising star in Nigeria’s activist scene. A bold and fearless voice, he has carved a niche for himself through his outspoken campaigns against substandard food, drugs, alcohol, and skincare products. In his campaigns, he often challenge big names, celebrities and established institutions. His unconventional methods and unflinching style have earned him both admiration and criticism. This had made him one of the most talked-about figures in Nigerian activism today.

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An indigene of Edo State, Vincent Martins Otse hails from a lineage deeply rooted in the rich cultural history of the ancient Benin Kingdom. Although his early life remains largely vague, Otse’s education and exposure to Nigeria’s socio-political landscape have shaped him into the fiery activist we know today. The 30-year old VDM first gained public attention through social media, where he began raising awareness about the dangers of unregulated products and corporate malpractice. VeryDarkMan was nominated for Silverbird’s Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year award. Otse adopted the name ‘VeryDarkBlackMan’ or ‘VDM’ as a bold statement of his identity. His moniker symbolizes his embrace of his African heritage and dark skin. This also informs much of his activism, especially against harmful skin-bleaching products and Eurocentric beauty standards. His platform started out as a means of calling attention to these issues but has since expanded into broader activism.

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Vincent Martins Otse is known for using social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to reach and mobilize Nigeria’s youth. His approach is unfiltered and direct. Unlike some activists who employ diplomatic language, Otse does not shy away from calling out individuals and companies by name. This raw and fearless style has endeared him to many followers, especially those who feel disenfranchised or overlooked by traditional systems of justice. Otse’s activism focuses primarily on consumer protection, especially within the food, drug, alcohol, and skincare industries. He has been vocal about the proliferation of substandard and dangerous products that flood the Nigerian market. He also often highlight the lack of regulation and oversight by government agencies.

Famous Campaigns

VeryDarkBlackMan’s most notable campaigns revolve around exposing harmful products in the Nigerian market. Through a series of investigative videos, social media posts, and public petitions, Otse has called out brands, manufacturers, and even influencers who promote or sell products that he deems dangerous to consumers.

1. Substandard Food and Beverages

Otse’s most famous campaign was against the sale of expired and substandard food and beverages. In a viral post, he exposed a popular supermarket chain for selling expired food items. This led to a public outcry and forced authorities to step in and investigate the supermarket, resulting in heightened awareness about food safety in Nigeria.

2. Alcohol and Drug Safety

Another significant campaign saw Otse take on companies selling counterfeit alcoholic beverages and drugs. He was among the first to raise alarm over fake alcoholic brands circulating in Nigerian markets. These products have been linked to health risks and even deaths. His work on this issue led to several investigations by Nigerian regulators and added pressure on companies to ensure higher product standards.

3. Skincare Products

Perhaps one of the most personal causes for Otse is his fight against harmful skincare products, especially skin-bleaching creams. As an advocate for self-love and body positivity, he has repeatedly called out skincare brands that promote toxic products promising lighter skin. His bold stance has encouraged many to reject harmful beauty standards and embrace their natural skin.    

Scandals Involving VeryDarkBlackMan

Though VeryDarkBlackMan has garnered a loyal following for his activism, he has not been immune to scandal. In 2023, he was accused of accepting bribes from a company he had initially criticized for producing substandard goods. Otse denied the allegations and provided proof that he never received any form of payment. However, the incident cast a temporary shadow on his otherwise transparent image.

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On September 26, 2024, Falana & Falana Chambers issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Otse via a letter, demanding an immediate retraction and apology for allegedly defamatory statements made in his September 25, 2024 Instagram post. As he continues to grow his platform, VeryDarkBlackMan stands as a symbol of the Edo people’s warrior spirit, fighting tirelessly for justice and accountability.

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