Social Media Erupts after Gani Topba Downplays Lesi Maol’s Philanthropy
Recent philanthropic initiatives embarked upon by businessman and President of the Apex sociocultural group in Ogoni, KAGOTE, Lesi Maol, have come under heavy verbal attack by a fellow Ogoni compatriot, Gani Topba.
On June 2, 2026, Maol announced to sponsor 50 qualified Ogoni youths for a specialized Wellhead Engineering and Maintenance Training Program to be delivered by Rick WellTech Limited, a United Kingdom based company, in preparation for future opportunities in oil exploration and related energy operations in Ogoniland.
This comprehensive training program is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, technical skills, safety awareness, and professional competencies required in the oil and gas industry.
Again, he reportedly procured a sound system valued at ₦13.6 million for veteran entertainer and disc jockey (DJ) popularly known as Studio 45, widely regarded as one of the oldest DJs in Bodo City, Gokana LGA.
And in a separate intervention, Maol also reportedly purchased keyboards worth ₦2.9 million for visually impaired keyboardist, Babilaalo Lekie.
This initiative reflects a commitment to developing local capacity, promoting technical excellence, and preparing Ogoni youths for emerging opportunities in the energy sector.
The latest donations add to a series of initiatives recently associated with Lesi Maol in areas including youth empowerment, education support, entrepreneurship, and community development across Ogoniland.
However, Topba has in a Facebook post criticized Maol for not returning sufficient favours to Ogoni with respect to the enormous benefits he has obtained from the land.
“Lesi Maol is reaping substantial benefits from Ogoniland while giving Ogoni people peanuts,” Topba Alleges.
But he too has come under severe counter criticism by the Ogoni social media community, who have since flooded his comment section. Below are some of the reactions:
Kpoodibabari Isaac: “Chief Gani how many people have you helped from your community with the little you have?
If you we’re opportune like LEESI MAIOL will you be in Nigeria? Bad belly people.”
ThankGod Mene: “Chief leesi maol has done what we have not seen before. People have really benefits from him. What impact have you made because I don’t even know you.”
Bee Bar: “What about those with trillions that has not even changed somebody’s (very next neighbors) roofing sheets nor affected any life if your not a gun carrying member of his/her empire. The man dey try, end of discussion.”
Fortune Ace Nwike: “You Dey mind the youths from that community without sense… he will collect millions of naira and build one small house for one old man.”
