Nigerian music executive Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, on Saturday defended a young woman, Itohan Supremos Baby (#itohan_olat), after she was criticised on X following his private donation to support her health-focused initiative.
Some social media users labelled Itohan “greedy” and a “scam” after she received the funds, prompting Don Jazzy to respond to one critic, #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.”
Don Jazzy countered, saying: “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. 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 also referenced his November N20 million donation to the Tech Access Project led by Ayilola Ayotomiwa, which aims to provide laptops to 10,000 youths, challenging critics who questioned his support for Itohan because she is a woman.
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, offering to fulfill her requests, which included paying personal debts and launching her “Mercy Foundation” to assist kidney patients.
Despite criticism of her “greedy” request, some defended her intentions, noting that her plans focused on helping others, not herself. Don Jazzy privately sent her a substantial donation, which she later confirmed with a receipt, while he called out the hypocrisy of critics labelling her entitled.
Addressing the broader backlash, Don Jazzy highlighted the challenges of philanthropy, saying he cannot help everyone and emphasizing that perceptions of entitlement often overshadow genuine efforts to support others. He also clarified that similar criticism would have arisen regardless of the recipient, as seen with his Tech Access Project.
Itohan expressed gratitude for the donation, explaining that funds have been used to assist dialysis patients in Abuja. The first two beneficiaries received ₦200,000 and ₦150,000 for treatment, publicly thanking Don Jazzy for his support.
The Tech Access Project organiser also shared that while criticism has been emotionally taxing, Don Jazzy’s public clarification and encouragement from grateful youths have been uplifting, helping sustain their philanthropic efforts.
