Former Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of the University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), James Adio, has revealed that the resilience shown by Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage following the leak of her private video inspired him to cope with a similar ordeal involving an explicit video of himself.
Adio made the disclosure while reflecting on the emotional and psychological impact of the incident, explaining that Tiwa Savage’s public response to her own experience gave him the strength to move forward despite intense public scrutiny.
According to him, the circulation of the video subjected him to widespread criticism, ridicule, and emotional distress, making it one of the most difficult periods of his life.
He said that while struggling to come to terms with the situation, he drew inspiration from Tiwa Savage’s decision not to allow the controversy surrounding her leaked private video to define her career or personal life.
“Seeing how Tiwa Savage handled her situation made me realise that life does not end because of one incident. Her resilience encouraged me to stay strong and continue pursuing my goals,” Adio said.
The former student leader explained that the experience taught him valuable lessons about resilience, mental strength, and the importance of refusing to be defined by public opinion.
He acknowledged that the incident affected his emotional well-being but said he gradually regained confidence through the support of family, friends, and people who encouraged him not to give up.
Adio also spoke about the dangers of cyberbullying and online harassment, urging social media users to be more compassionate toward individuals caught in embarrassing or traumatic situations.
He said victims of leaked intimate content often face severe psychological pressure, social stigma, and mental health challenges that can have lasting consequences.
The former FUOYE SUG president encouraged people experiencing similar situations to seek emotional support rather than isolate themselves or allow negative public reactions to overwhelm them.
He stressed the need for society to show empathy instead of amplifying the pain of victims through ridicule and online abuse.
Adio’s remarks have renewed conversations about digital privacy, cyber ethics, and the emotional toll of non-consensual sharing of intimate content.
Advocates for digital rights have consistently warned against the circulation of private materials without consent, describing the practice as a violation of privacy that can expose victims to reputational harm and psychological trauma.
Mental health experts have also called for greater awareness of the emotional impact of online shaming, urging victims to seek professional counselling and support where necessary.
Tiwa Savage, one of Nigeria’s leading Afrobeats artistes, has previously spoken publicly about the challenges she faced after a private video involving her was leaked, maintaining that she would not allow the incident to derail her career.
Adio said her response demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and served as a reminder that personal setbacks do not have to determine one’s future.
He concluded by encouraging young people to remain focused on their ambitions despite life’s challenges, emphasizing that resilience, self-belief, and the support of loved ones are essential in overcoming difficult experiences.
