Popular music executive Michael Collins Ajereh, known as Don Jazzy, has responded strongly to social media critics over the backlash faced by a young woman who received a private donation from him.
The criticism followed his financial support for a social media user, Itohan Supremos Baby, after she shared her wish to get help for personal needs and a health-based charity project.
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 replied, “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 later listed her requests, which included settling debts and starting a foundation to support kidney patients, inspired by the death of her brother from kidney disease.
After her post, several users accused her of being greedy and dishonest. One user, maxvayshia, 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.”
Reacting, Don Jazzy defended her and questioned the criticism.
“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,” he said.
He added, “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.”
Don Jazzy said he went ahead with the donation so he would not appear to have raised her hopes and abandoned her.
“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?” he asked.
As criticism continued, Itohan later shared a payment receipt showing six zeros, with part of the figure hidden, suggesting a large sum, though she did not disclose the exact amount.
Don Jazzy also compared the situation to his earlier N20 million donation in November to the Tech Access Project, which aims to provide laptops for young Nigerians.
“But because of the too much drags, I guess she thought it was best to share the news on the timeline,” he said. “What is bringing this woman talk now? Is the 20m Laptop brother a woman too?”
He dismissed claims that he only supports women, saying those who received his help often face backlash.
“Yet they are labelling her entitled. Pot calling kettle black,” he added.
Responding to another user who complained about not receiving help, Don Jazzy said bluntly, “Come beat me collect am.”
He further explained why public donations often attract criticism.
“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,” he said.
He added, “Cos all of a sudden everyone feels entitled to money that cannot go around everybody. Unfortunately, I can’t help everybody.”
Meanwhile, Itohan has begun using part of the donation to assist kidney patients, sharing updates online.
“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 confirmed that two patients have so far received support for dialysis treatment, with payments made directly to hospital accounts.
Both beneficiaries publicly thanked Don Jazzy, while updates showed that N350,000 has already been spent on medical assistance.
