Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has appealed to Afrobeats stars Davido, Burna Boy and Asake to channel part of their wealth into charitable causes by establishing a foundation to support poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking at the launch of the National Community Food Bank Program in Lokoja, Kogi State, the First Lady said wealthy entertainers have a role to play in easing hardship, stressing that government alone cannot shoulder the country’s growing social welfare burden. She encouraged the artistes to use their influence and resources to make a lasting impact on the lives of less privileged Nigerians.
“The Burna Boys of this world, Asake, all of them, Davido. We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money,” she said, adding that while there is nothing wrong with owning luxury cars such as Maybachs and Rolls-Royces, philanthropy should accompany success.
Oluremi Tinubu also urged Nigerians not to look down on legitimate means of livelihood, recounting how a university graduate who started selling akara after struggling to find employment received support that helped him expand his business and employ 12 people. During the event, she announced an additional ₦100 million through the Renewed Hope Initiative to provide ₦50,000 grants to 2,000 petty traders in Kogi State.
Her remarks have sparked debate online. While many welcomed the call for greater celebrity philanthropy, others argued that tackling poverty remains primarily the responsibility of government, with charitable efforts serving as a complement rather than a substitute for public policy.
