By Mahmoud
ABUJA — A video showing a woman identified as Hajiya Maryam Wadada sharing bundles of newly printed ₦500 notes to a crowd of supporters has gone viral on X, triggering widespread reactions and debate online.
The clip, credited to Mujahiid Saleh // X, surfaced this week and shows Hajiya Wadada seated while aides hand over neat stacks of crisp ₦500 notes. Supporters seen in the background cheered and jostled as the bundles were distributed, with some recording the moment on their phones.
In the video, the notes appear fresh from the mint, with the CBN seal and serial numbers clearly visible. The denomination, ₦500, is one of the notes the Central Bank of Nigeria redesigned in 2022 alongside the ₦200 and ₦1,000 bills. The CBN at the time said it ordered 500 million pieces of the redesigned currency from the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company. 8a8d
Within hours of being posted, the video racked up thousands of views, comments and reposts. Many users questioned the source of the large amount of cash and the timing of the distribution, while others defended it as political empowerment or charity common during festive periods and political mobilization.
Some commenters expressed concern about possible abuse of the naira, citing CBN rules that prohibit spraying, mutilation, or commercialization of currency. Others argued that sharing money to supporters is a long-standing practice in Nigerian politics and philanthropy, especially ahead of elections and party events.
The viral clip also revived conversations about cash circulation in the country. During the 2022 naira redesign, the CBN had said the exercise was aimed at controlling the volume of banknotes outside the banking system and curbing counterfeiting. The apex bank later told lawmakers it could not give an exact figure of how many new notes were printed, only that 500 million pieces were ordered. ce4f0765
As of press time, Hajiya Maryam Wadada has not issued a public statement on the video. Neither has the CBN commented specifically on the clip. The identity of the event, location, and occasion for the distribution also remain unclear from the footage shared by Mujahiid Saleh.
The incident adds to a growing list of videos of cash distribution that regularly spark online debate in Nigeria. While some see it as generosity and grassroots support, critics argue it highlights issues around vote-buying, financial transparency, and respect for the national currency. The video continues to circulate widely on X and WhatsApp with varied reactions.
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