A content creator, Unyime Ekwere, has become a striking figure after his distinctive Spiderman costume at Thursday’s Democracy Day protests in Lagos.
But beyond the attention-grabbing outfit lies a deeper mission—one rooted in charity, social justice, and a call for government accountability.
In an interview with THE WHISTLER, Ekwere opened up about the journey that led him from street-level charity work to civic activism.
“Honestly, I can’t really define what ‘inspiration’ means to me without talking about how I started—with charity,” he said.
Ekwere began his content creation journey by providing direct aid to the homeless and underprivileged, often spending hours on the streets distributing food, clothing, and other essentials.
However, what began as an act of compassion quickly evolved into a broader awareness of the systemic issues that fuel poverty in Nigeria.
“I realized that so many Nigerians are suffering—homeless, struggling to survive under bridges or on the streets,” he said.
“Seeing all of that made me think: instead of just giving aid, why not evolve into something bigger?”
That turning point led Ekwere to shift his focus from charity to activism, using his platform not only to highlight social issues but also to demand better governance.
“When the government performs better, poverty reduces. And when poverty reduces, fewer people end up in those desperate conditions,” he added.
His protest attire—a full Spiderman costume—has become a symbol of his unique approach.
According to Ekwere, the costume serves a dual purpose: capturing public attention and reinforcing his message in a way that’s both memorable and meaningful.
“There are many people doing charity work, so I aim to stand out while staying true to my mission,” he said.
Ekwere’s presence at the protests has not gone unnoticed with journalists taking videos and photos of the “Lagos Spiderman”.
As demonstrations continue in Lagos, protesters are demanding an end to economic hardship, the reversal of policies they described as anti-poor and influenced by the IMF and World Bank, an end to attacks on democratic rights, and a push for meaningful electoral reform.
