July 12, 2026
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on some of the country’s biggest music stars, including Davido, Burna Boy and Asake, to invest part of their wealth in charitable initiatives that will improve the lives of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking at a social welfare and entrepreneurship event, the First Lady said while successful entertainers deserved to enjoy the rewards of their hard work, they also had a responsibility to give back to society through structured philanthropic efforts.
She urged the award-winning musicians to come together under a common charitable platform that would complement government efforts in addressing poverty and supporting disadvantaged citizens.
“I want to appeal to our young people in this country. Burna Boy, Asake and Davido, we want to see you come together under one foundation to help the poor with your money.
“The Maybachs and Rolls-Royces are good, but you can still help. The burden on the government is huge.”
According to the First Lady, true success should not only be measured by luxury possessions but also by the positive impact individuals make in the lives of others.
To underscore her message, Tinubu recounted the story of a university graduate in Abuja who turned to selling akara after failing to secure paid employment. She disclosed that, after learning about his situation, she quietly arranged financial support for him without seeking public recognition.
The intervention, she said, enabled the young entrepreneur to expand his business significantly.
“There was once I read an article about a young graduate who said he didn’t get a job. He said he sells akara because he couldn’t get a job. We approached him, but I didn’t put my name to it. We equipped him more. He now has 12 workers working under him, and he’s doing very, very well.”
Tinubu also cited Senegalese-American singer Akon as an example of a celebrity who has used his success to make meaningful humanitarian contributions across Africa.
She encouraged Nigerian entertainers to emulate such efforts by establishing foundations dedicated to supporting the less privileged.
“I will use Akon, a music icon, who does a lot of great charity work. Then 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.”
The First Lady further encouraged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace entrepreneurship, stressing that every legitimate means of earning a living deserves respect.
“There are pepper sellers, vegetable sellers, okra sellers, melon sellers, akara and kuli-kuli sellers. Akara is delicious, I can tell you that.”
However you may be aware that Davido, Burna Boy and Asake have all been involved in charitable activities including donations to vulnerable persons, support for communities and assistance to individuals.
The First Lady’s appeal appears to focus on expanding such efforts through well-structured, transparent foundations capable of delivering long-term social impact across the country.
What is your take on this?
1 comment
Indeed Burna Boy, Davido and Asake have all been involved in charitable activities but they need to do more. This is not just about them, other well meaning Nigerians including religious leaders, successful business men and non-governmental organisation but the Governments have all it takes to curb poverty in Nigeria without seeking such support.