“I Used Content Creation As Therapy After Losing My Parents Before I Turned 6, I Started Staying Alone At Age 14, No Support, No Mentor”– Lucky Udu

Social media personality, Lucky Udu, has 244k followers on Instagram and 151k subscribers on YouTube, where he shares real-life stories of people, especially those who have fallen on hard times. He tells FAITH AJAYI about his journey as a content creator

What inspired you to start creating content on social media, and how did your journey begin?

To be honest, pain pushed me into purpose. I lost both of my parents before I turned six, and by the age of 14, I was already on my own. I had no mentor, no support; nothing but the will to survive. But, I also had a fire in me. I started recording short videos with my phone, not to go viral, but to tell the truth about life as I saw it. Storytelling became therapy for me. And when I noticed how people connected with my stories, I realised that maybe my pain had a purpose.

How did you transition from being a videographer to a social media influencer and filmmaker?

I was never a videographer; people just assumed that. I actually started as an online English teacher. Through content creation, I gradually began building what is now the Lucky Udu Studio. I didn’t have formal training in video production; I learnt everything on the job. I started with what I had—my phone, my thoughts, and consistency. Over time, my content gained traction, and that’s how the brand was born; from scratch.

Was there a specific moment when you realised that social media was more than just sharing posts?

Yes. It was the first time someone told me they got serious help after watching one of my videos. That moment changed everything. I realised that social media is more than views; it’s a weapon. You can use it to distract or to awaken. I chose the latter, and since then, I have approached content creation with deeper purpose.

What inspired your “I Am Not A Scammer” campaign?

I was tired of the world stereotyping every young Nigerian as a criminal. You apply for a job; they suspect you. You say you’re a creator; they assume it’s Yahoo (Internet fraud). I got fed up. I even shaved my hair to raise awareness. I wanted us to reclaim our image and proudly say, “I am not a scammer. I’m creative, I’m hardworking, and I’m doing legitimate work.” That’s how the campaign started, and others joined in, tagging themselves too.

How has your online presence impacted young people, especially regarding cybercrime?

It has had real impact. I have received messages from people saying, “Bro, I was about to enter Yahoo, but your video made me think again.” Even if just one person has a change of heart, then the content isn’t in vain.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt about using social media for social change?

I have learnt that people often care more about how something makes them feel than whether it’s true. You could be doing real, positive work, but if one person spins a lie about you, many will believe it.

I have also learnt that social media is powerful but dangerous. You can help a thousand people, and one bad tweet can ruin your reputation. That’s why I now focus more on results than applause, and protect my peace.

How do you ensure your message resonates with both younger and older generations?

I keep it real and simple. I use everyday English. I don’t try to sound too deep or “woke.” I also don’t pretend to be perfect. I show my pain and my mistakes. I think that honesty helps people—young and old—connect with me.

You mentioned your experience with Nedu, formerly of The Honest Bunch Podcast. Can you clarify what happened?

That period was hell. There was a wave of attacks on my brand. People twisted my intentions. They mocked me, saying my platform only promotes suffering. Some even claimed anyone who comes to my platform ends up worse, and people believed it. It hit me hard—mentally, financially and emotionally.

My manager suggested I go on ‘The Honest Bunch’ to clear the air. He said people didn’t truly understand me; only snippets went viral. He reached out to Nedu, but Nedu told me directly that he didn’t care about my work. He said he’d only feature me if I appeared with the comedian who was publicly dragging me.

I declined because I wasn’t comfortable with that. I even begged him not to mention me when interviewing the other guy, but he went ahead anyway. That interview made things worse. It felt like a spiritual attack; like something was trying to silence me. That period, it was just me and God.

Do you think controversy is necessary for popularity on social media, or do you prefer organic growth?

If I wanted controversy, I would have “blown up” long ago. But that’s not me. I believe in organic growth and real impact. Controversy brings attention, but attention without value fades quickly. Some people “blow” from clout, but where are they two years later?

When people grow with you, believe in your message, and understand your heart, that’s lasting growth. I don’t force noise. I let the work speak.

Have you received threats or backlash because of your stance on cybercrime?

Yes, a lot. Some people insult me in the comments section. Others send threats to my DMs. I try to stay safe and smart, but I don’t keep quiet either. For serious threats, I take action. I would rather be proactive than allow something bad to happen.

What’s the biggest challenge of being a social media personality, while also running a foundation and film studio?

Everything rests on me. If I break down, everything stops. People see the videos and think I have it all figured out, but it’s not easy. Running a foundation, a studio, managing staff, creating content almost daily is draining, both mentally and financially.

Being the face of the brand means one small mistake, one bad video, can shake everything. Sometimes, I feel like I have no personal life. I am constantly carrying the burden of others. I just turned 28, and I wonder how long I can keep this up.

How would you describe your growth since starting the studio?

It has been slow but steady. I didn’t “blow” overnight. I wasn’t “lucky” despite my name. I worked hard for every follower, every opportunity. In the beginning, I had no structure; just passion.

Some early supporters helped though. Someone gifted me a camera, while another gave me a laptop. Over time, I built a team, improved my content, and weathered many storms. Today, we’ve grown into a community of millions. I haven’t arrived yet, but I’ve come a long way.

What changes have you noticed in your creative process?

When I started, I just picked up my phone and spoke—no script, no plan. Now, everything is more intentional. I think deeply about each story, the message, and how it will be received.

I plan ahead, batch content, study analytics. But most importantly, I now carry greater responsibility. It’s not just about creating; it’s about impact, accuracy, and trust.

What can your followers expect from you in 2025?

A lot. I’m working on a new series I can’t talk about yet. I am also focusing more on building my academy to teach people how to go viral, tell compelling stories, and build from scratch.

I have also started doing more facecam videos—raw commentary, trend analysis, direct and personal content.

Have collaborations with other creators helped expand your reach?

Honestly, I haven’t done many collaborations. Most of what I’ve built came from staying in my lane.

What’s your ultimate goal as a storyteller and creator?

I want to build the biggest storytelling platform in Africa; one that entertains, educates, and heals. I want to be a voice for the unheard. I want people to say,

“Because of that Lucky Udu video, my life changed.”

Beyond content, I want to build schools, systems, and platforms that will outlive me. I want to prove that you can succeed without fraud or begging; that you can build something real from your pain.

What’s one thing people often get wrong about you?

People think I’m chasing pity or that I only talk about suffering. But what I do is to shed light on dark places. Real stories, real life; and it’s not always rosy.

They also think everything came easy for me. They don’t see the tears, sleepless nights, betrayals, and the pressure I live under. But I’ve learnt not to explain too much anymore. The real ones see the truth.

If you could change one thing about Nigeria, what would it be?

The mindset. We have the resources and talent, but our thinking is damaged. We celebrate shortcuts, mock integrity, and envy success without embracing the sacrifice.

If we change how we think and treat one another, I believe the rest will fall into place.

What advice would you give to young people trying to find their voice, especially online?

Start with your truth. Don’t copy anyone. Don’t fake accents or lifestyles. Be real. Even if nobody’s watching at first, keep going. Your tribe will find you.

Don’t chase clout; chase growth. Fame fades, but impact lasts. Also, protect your mind. The Internet is loud, and if you’re not careful, you’ll lose yourself trying to please strangers.

How do you unwind after a long day?

I just go quiet. Sometimes I watch movies, sometimes I drive around listening to music and singing out loud; even though I can’t sing. I love peace. I don’t like loud spaces or too much talking.

If I am not editing or filming, I’m either eating, sleeping, or reading something random online. But now, I’m learning to be more intentional about resting, because burnout is real, and I’ve faced it too many times.

Source: Punch

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com