Abstract
On this International Day of Conscience, we reflect on the delicate balance between righteous indignation and ethical responsibility. This article examines a 2025 incident in Nigeria where an activist’s public confrontation of a struggling mother and her 11‐year‐old daughter escalated into a humiliating episode.
The case, which involved the exposure of the child’s face in violation of child protection guidelines, ultimately led to a public apology from the activist and compassionate intervention from well-meaning Nigerians including the famous chess player and philanthropist Tunde Onakoya, and the founder of Buchymix, who stepped in and offered to support the child’s education and the family's welfare, including accomodation.
Through this analysis, we explore the complexities of activism that neglects empathy and the need for a conscientious approach in public discourse.
Introduction
Conscience guides us in differentiating right from wrong, yet its application in public actions can sometimes overshoot the mark. In our interconnected age, incidents that capture the public’s attention may be driven by a desire to correct perceived wrongs. However, when such interventions become public spectacles, they risk compromising dignity and privacy. The 2025 incident in Nigeria serves as a case in point: an activist’s attempt to curb what she saw as an act of child labor turned into a humiliating confrontation that not only exposed the minor’s identity—contravening established child protection laws—but also overlooked the socio-economic realities of a struggling family.
The Incident: A Misguided Intervention
In early April 2025, a viral video circulated on platforms like Instagram and Facebook showing an activist publicly confronting a mother for having her 11‐year‐old daughter accompany her to work at an estate as early as 4:30 am.
According to the video, the activist’s approach was perceived to be severe, demeaning the mother and the child in a manner that many observers found dehumanizing. Notably, the activist did not obscure the child’s face—a clear violation of regulations designed to protect minors from public exposure.
Public outcry soon followed as netizens and child rights advocates criticized the activist’s methods. The absence of due consideration for the family’s circumstances and the blatant disregard for legal protocols concerning child privacy transformed a well-intentioned act into a public relations debacle. The incident raises critical questions:
When does activism cross the line from moral intervention to public humiliation? And how can conscience-driven actions be tempered with empathy?
A Shift in Perspective: Apology and Compassionate Support
After intense online debate and further investigation into the family’s situation, it emerged that the mother was doing her best to provide for her children under extremely challenging conditions. Realizing that her intervention had inadvertently deepened the family’s plight, the activist publicly apologized for her conduct. This acknowledgment, while necessary, did little to reverse the humiliation already inflicted.
In a heartening twist, famous chess player and philanthropist Tunde Onakoya stepped forward to offer support the child’s education. His intervention underscored an alternative model of activism—one that channels moral outrage into constructive and compassionate support rather than public shaming.
Onakoya’s decision to offer full educational assistance will not only help the child’s future but has also sparked a broader discussion about the role of empathy in public actions.
The founder of Buchymix has also offered to support the family's welfare, hence further intervening in the situation.
Conscience in Action: Balancing Moral Imperatives and Empathy
This incident is a potent reminder that conscience must operate within the boundaries of empathy, legality, and respect for human dignity. While the activist believed she was acting in the public interest by drawing attention to child labor, the execution of her actions neglected key ethical principles which we can learn from:
● Privacy and Protection: By failing to obscure the child’s face, the activist violated guidelines meant to protect minors—a stark reminder that even well-meaning actions can have legal and moral repercussions.
● Context and Compassion: A deeper look into the family’s struggle revealed that the mother’s decision was born out of necessity rather than neglect. Activism that does not consider underlying socio-economic challenges risks oversimplifying complex issues.
● Constructive Intervention: The supportive response of Tunde Onakoya, Founder of Buchymix and other well-meaning citizens of Nigeria highlights how moral concern can be redirected into positive action. Rather than humiliating those in need, sustainable solutions lie in providing tangible support and opportunities for upliftment.
Lessons for the International Day of Conscience
The International Day of Conscience is not merely about calling out wrongs—it is about fostering a culture of ethical responsibility that considers context, empathy, and constructive outcomes.
This case study teaches us that:
1. Ethical Activism Must Respect Dignity: Public interventions should never compromise the privacy or dignity of individuals, particularly vulnerable minors.
2. Understanding Context Is Essential: Social issues like child labor are often symptomatic of larger systemic failures. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced approach that goes beyond public shaming.
3. Transforming Outrage into Support: True conscience in action involves converting moral indignation into practical support, as exemplified by Tunde Onakoya and Buchymix Founder's commitment to the child’s education.
4. Self-Reflection in Public Discourse: Activists and the broader society must reflect on whether actions taken in the name of moral righteousness might inadvertently cause more harm than good.
The Do No Harm principle should be considered and applied.
Conclusion
The 2025 incident in Nigeria is a complex case that underscores the need for a balanced approach to activism. While the initial act of confronting a perceived wrong may be driven by genuine concern, the execution must align with ethical and legal standards. The public apology and subsequent support for the child’s education illustrate a corrective path—one that emphasizes empathy over humiliation and constructive support over public shaming.
On this International Day of Conscience, let us embrace a model of activism that is both morally firm and compassionately gentle, ensuring that our efforts to uphold justice do not compromise the dignity of those we intend to help.
At Saving Hand Development Initiative (SHADE-IN) we are committed to value reorientation and mindset change campaign (#mcc).
What are your opinions on the case study, the different narratives expressed on social media and our perspectives in this article regarding the incidence? We would love to read your opinions.
References
● Instagram Reel: Original post
● Additional Social Media Narratives: Reel - Perspective on the Activist's Action | Reel Showing Buchymix Founder's Offer of Support – Reel showing Tunde Onokoya's offer of Support
● Facebook Coverage of the Incident showing Apology of the Activist: Facebook Video
#InternationalDayofConscience
#SHADE-IN
#ValueReorientation
#MindsetChangeCampaign
#MCC
#Empathy
#ImpactfulActivism
#UnitedNations
Written by
Omiebi Eki-Allen
Edited by
Bliss Ojeruse
For Saving Hand Development Initiative (SHADE-IN)
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