When going through reels on Instagram or surfing through contents on X, the almighty algorithm might bring forth Dan Bello videos on national issues and happenings being juxtaposed with his signatural words ‘Jira Jira Jira’ which in English simply means wait! Wait! Wait!.
Bello Galadanchi popularly known as Dan Bello is a teacher, journalist, filmmaker, entrepreneur and content creator who airs out his views on national issues that affects the day to day life of the ordinary Nigerian through social commentary.
Dan Bello critiques national issues through his incisive analysis, passion, humour and dumbing down jargons to a wider audience, utilizing the power of social media in his activism.
Nigeria has never been lacking in issues that need to be critiqued. During the early years of Nigeria’s independence, prominent social commentators such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti used music as a form of activism, critiquing the military regime’s policies and government’s corrupt practices in the 1970s and early 1990s.
Chinue Achebe’s critique of Nigerian politics and societal issues through his book “The Trouble with Nigeria”, led to enlarged cognisance and a call for rectification.
Additionally, the investigative journalistic works of Dele Giwa in the 1980s, through his magazine known as Newswatch, which became a platform for his social commentaries to critique government corrupt practices, advocacy for pressure freedom during military regimes, and social issues, have also prompt calls for reforms and accountability.
Social commentary has a pivotal role in today’s mediascape, with its power to amplify political and societal issues. Recent events such as the #EndSARS Movement, which occurred in 2020, and the ongoing #EndBadGovernance are geared by social commentaries, which beacon activism and advocacy and serve as a watchdog on national issues.
His satirical approach pokes fun while critiquing the most pressing of national and social issues because, as the old adage goes, we laugh so we don’t cry.
Social commentary serves as a watchdog in exposing injustice, influencing public opinion, inspiring collective action and holding those in power accountable. It fosters transparency and good governance.
Dan Bello’s work has been instrumental in exposing instances of corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations. His investigations, reports, and commentary have often led to indignation and calls for accountability.
Through his outstanding work of literacy to enlighten and amplify marginalised voices, Dan Bello sheds light on the plight of the disadvantaged segments of society by simplifying complex governmental policies and using relatable examples, conversational tone, engaging humour, and satirical storytelling narratives.
He has made it easy for those without extensive knowledge or understanding of the issues and policies to understand and participate in governance, thereby inspiring the young generation and also marginalized citizens.
