“Fame or Future? Why Northern TikTokers Must Choose Advocacy Over Absurdity” -By Turaki Abdulhamid Yahya

Beyond the Ashes A Call for Purposeful Content Creation Among Northern Youth.

It all began when someone decided to embark on a long journey by foot from Lagos to Abuja to celebrate the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari. This symbolic act, although done out of personal excitement and loyalty, unexpectedly set a trend among the youth. Soon after, many others began similar journeys across different cities for various reasons — some genuine, others simply seeking attention. This culture of copying sensational acts without critical reflection continues to grow, and now, a new wave has emerged. A young man recently bathed himself in ashes and mud as a supposed symbol of humility or sacrifice in search of fame. Unfortunately, this bizarre act has inspired others, including young women, to follow suit, displaying shocking levels of desperation.

This trend is not only disturbing but also reveals deeper issues — a hunger for recognition, poor understanding of meaningful engagement, and a troubling lack of educational awareness. Instead of creating content that adds value to society, many northern TikTokers are now engaging in practices that pose serious risks to their health and dignity. Social media, especially TikTok, is a powerful tool that can be used to educate, influence, and advocate for positive change. Sadly, it is being misused by some to showcase acts that not only damage their reputation but also expose a lack of awareness about how digital platforms can be harnessed for social good. Bathing in ashes or embarking on extreme stunts for attention does not solve any societal problem, nor does it demand accountability from those in power.

Therefore, it is important to redirect this energy towards more meaningful causes. Young people, especially from northern Nigeria, should focus on producing content that highlights issues such as poverty, poor education systems, lack of infrastructure, insecurity, and unemployment. By doing so, they can push for government intervention and influence public discourse in a productive way. Instead of seeking fame through dangerous or humiliating acts, let us use social media to educate, inform, and advocate. Let our content reflect our intelligence, creativity, and commitment to building a better society. The power of change lies in our hands — let us use it wisely and responsibly.

Therefore;
Let Your Voice Be Loud, Not Laughable. Using TikTok to Tackle Societal Problems.