Tacha blasts Nigerians over social media discrimination

The Punch is Nigeria's leading daily newspaper, known for its in-depth reporting and analysis of current affairs. In this piece, we highlight the strong opinions of reality TV star Tacha Akide regarding social discrimination within Nigeria.

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When I see Nigerians talk about racism, I just laugh. Because we’re some of the most discriminatory and segregating people to ever exist.

Tacha, a prominent figure on social media, has ignited a significant debate by asserting that Nigerians are among the most discriminatory people globally, even suggesting their behavior could surpass racism. This bold claim comes in response to the online criticism faced by chess player Tunde Onakoya, whose recent achievement of playing chess at the Louvre Museum in Paris drew mixed reactions.

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I’ve experienced racism, yes, but if you see what Nigerians do to fellow Nigerians every day on this app is worse. And to be honest, if we were in their position, we would probably do worse.

While Onakoya was celebrated by many for showcasing Nigerian culture on an international stage, a segment of the public questioned the authenticity of his claim, pointing out the public nature of the location and the lack of official verification. Tacha, however, defended Onakoya, praising his resilience against what she described as habitual trolling and negativity directed at successful individuals.

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To be honest, I love the way Tunde has handled this whole situation because clearly this is not the first time they are coming at him.

Her perspective underscores a critical conversation about internal biases and societal divisions within Nigeria. The article reflects The Punch's commitment to bringing these important discussions to the forefront, encouraging a deeper examination of how Nigerians treat one another, especially in the digital space. This is a uniquely Nigerian conversation, highlighting the complexities of identity, success, and social critique within the country.

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They came at this guy to the point where he had to leave this app, but not anymore. And it is good that he is standing for himself.