Blessing CEO Praises Verydarkman’s Growth, Says Criticism Was Always Meant to Inspire

Popular and controversial Nigerian relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, better known as Blessing CEO, has revealed the reason behind her surprising recent praise of social media personality Martins Otse, also known as Verydarkman (VDM)—a figure she once vehemently criticised. Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, the outspoken influencer explained that her shift in tone was not contradictory, but rather a reflection of growth—both hers and his.

Blessing CEO, who is well known for her candid and often polarising views on relationships, lifestyle, and personal development, said her initial criticism of VDM stemmed from a genuine desire to see him improve. Now, according to her, the change she hoped for is beginning to manifest, and it is only fair to acknowledge it.

“Let’s say I was at odds with VDM before, but you know that point where you criticise someone genuinely, hoping they’ll improve? That’s how it was,” she said. “I believe the essence of criticism is to inspire growth.”

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From Criticism to Commendation: A Shift Rooted in Observation

Blessing CEO noted that her decision to commend VDM wasn’t prompted by a single act but rather by a noticeable pattern of behavior—especially since his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She described a newfound sense of empathy in VDM, pointing out his humanitarian visit to Benue State, where he met with survivors of the Yelwata massacre.

The gesture, which touched many Nigerians, also changed Blessing’s perception of him.

“Since VDM came out of EFCC custody, I’ve noticed a change in him. He has become more empathetic and humane, not as aggressive or abusive as before,” she said.

She added that his efforts, though subtle, indicated maturity and an evolving understanding of the impact of his words and actions.

A Mirror Image: Blessing Sees Herself in VDM

Interestingly, Blessing CEO went a step further, likening Verydarkman to a male version of herself—equally bold, controversial, and unafraid to stir the pot.

“Funnily enough, VDM is like a male version of me. Controversial, blunt and intense,” she said. “When we started out, we wore our boldness like a badge. But with time, you begin to realise that in being blunt, you might be hurting people.”

She acknowledged that both she and VDM, through their no-holds-barred approach to social commentary, had at times alienated people who had never actually met them—people who were reacting not to their persons but to their personas.

The seasoned content creator reflected, “With growth comes reflection. Many people who dislike me have never met me. The issue is mostly about what I’ve said and how they perceive me.”

Blessing explained that watching VDM recently prompted her to reconsider her earlier stance. Rather than quietly holding her updated view, she felt it was important to express it publicly, especially as someone who had been one of his strongest critics.

The Impact of Praise: “He Knows It Meant Something”

Blessing CEO believes her recent video praising VDM likely struck a chord with him—even if he chose not to publicly acknowledge it.

“He knows it meant something, no matter how much he pretends. Imagine your biggest critic commending you; that’s bound to make you feel seen, and push you to do more.”

She said the intention behind the praise wasn’t to flatter but to reinforce positive change. For her, the goal is simple: growth, not hatred.

“That’s what we want from VDM. It’s not hate,” she affirmed.

The pair, while never directly aligned in their social media missions, have both courted fame and controversy through their brutally honest content. Their differing approaches often placed them on opposing sides of digital debates, but Blessing CEO’s recent stance suggests a new chapter may be emerging—one of mutual respect, even if not full alignment.

From Conflict to Constructive Criticism

Blessing’s comments serve as a broader commentary on how public figures interact in Nigeria’s fast-paced digital landscape, where personalities often clash in full view of millions. Her shift from critic to commendator shows that even in the realm of online confrontation, space exists for reflection, transformation, and second chances.

As she concluded, the most important outcome of any criticism should be growth—not resentment. And if growth is observed, she believes it must be acknowledged, even if it comes from unexpected quarters.