VeryDarkMan’s Ratel Movement Begins Monthly Cleanup Drive

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Martins Vincent Otse, the highly visible and often-controversial social media activist better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has announced a strategic shift from online criticism to coordinated, hands-on community service, mobilizing his extensive following under the “Ratel Movement” to embark on a monthly national cleanup initiative, Dependable NG reports.

The campaign, which VDM has framed as an effort to translate digital influence into tangible social good, is set to launch on Saturday, November 29, 2025. This pivot is seen by many observers as a move by the movement to cement its legitimacy beyond the volatile sphere of internet advocacy and focus on foundational societal change. The activist, whose notoriety stems from his fierce denunciation of corruption and substandard products, stated that the goal is not confrontation but the generation of “unparalleled positive impact” across Nigeria.

The “Ratel” name, derived from the African honey badger renowned for its fearless tenacity and ability to challenge larger adversaries—has long defined VDM’s online persona. His activism—which has included high-profile clashes with celebrities, businesses, and authorities, leading to a notable arrest earlier this year—had previously been largely confined to viral videos and systemic critiques. The decision to undertake a physical, nationwide monthly initiative represents a significant evolution in strategy, one that directly addresses the widespread environmental and infrastructural deficits plaguing Nigerian cities and communities.

The initiative’s activities are practical and essential, focusing on key areas that directly impact public health and safety. These planned interventions include the cleaning of heavily littered public spaces, crucial desilting and clearing of clogged drainages to prevent perennial flooding, and the rehabilitation of dilapidated facilities in public schools across various communities. The emphasis, VDM states, is on youth mobilization, aiming to foster a renewed sense of patriotism and civic responsibility, as well as a culture of self-help among young Nigerians.

While the new focus is on physical labour, the Ratel Movement has already established a substantial track record in large-scale philanthropy. News reports confirm that VDM’s Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), launched in late 2024, successfully raised over N21 million within its first 24 hours, attracting significant support—including a highly publicized N100 million contribution from music executive Don Jazzy. Furthermore, the movement gained widespread commendation in 2025 for donating N20 million to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), aiding the agency’s efforts to rescue and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking.

This history of effective fundraising and transparent resource allocation provides the operational backbone for the expansive community service campaign. Analysts suggest that the shift to physical service will further reassure the public and international bodies of the movement’s commitment to accountability and lasting change, particularly following a reported hacking incident in late 2024 that briefly affected its funds.

Socio-political commentators worldwide are tracking the ability of digital influencers to transition their online platforms into effective, real-world organizations. Experts have noted that VDM’s initiative aligns with a broader push for youth-led community development in Nigeria, where sustained efforts in environmental protection and health awareness are needed, as highlighted in various volunteer campaign programmes across the country. By engaging directly in sanitation and infrastructure work, VDM challenges the notion that activism must be purely confrontational, presenting an alternative model for redirecting youth energy and providing a vital template for empowerment that moves beyond rhetoric.

The Ratel Movement’s inaugural cleanup in November will therefore be closely scrutinised—not just as a one-off event—but as the first test of its long-term potential to sustain a high-value, nationwide commitment to Nigeria’s public good, with observers monitoring its ability to maintain momentum and achieve measurable results.