Daud Olatunji
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has appealed to Afrobeats stars David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, Damini Ogulu (Burna Boy) and Ahmed Ololade (Asake), to use their wealth to support vulnerable Nigerians struggling with the country’s economic hardship.
Mrs Tinubu made the appeal on Saturday while inspecting the National Community Food Bank project for the North-Central zone in Lokoja, Kogi State.
She said although the entertainers had earned the right to enjoy the fruits of their labour, they should also establish charitable foundations to empower the less privileged and support small-scale entrepreneurs.
According to her, the economic challenges facing the country are too enormous for the Federal Government to tackle alone.
“I think it is the right time to start helping those who need help in the country. I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry,” she said.
The First Lady urged the musicians to emulate Senegalese-American singer, Akon, whom she described as a global music icon renowned for his humanitarian interventions.
“The Burna Boys of this world, Asake and Davido, we want to see you with one foundation or the other helping the poor with your money. Good cars are good. A Maybach is good and a Rolls-Royce is good, but you can still help,” she said.
She added that successful entertainers could make meaningful contributions by supporting petty traders and other small business owners across the country.
“The burden on the government is huge, and you can still help. There are pepper, okra, vegetable, melon, akara and kuli-kuli sellers who need support,” she added.
Her comments come amid continued concerns over the rising cost of living and widespread economic hardship in the country.
The appeal also follows public reactions that greeted her recent remarks on the Renewed Hope Agenda, where she said women were being supported with grants to establish businesses such as roasted corn, akara and kuli-kuli ventures.
Responding to the criticism, Mrs Tinubu defended the initiative, insisting that such businesses remain viable sources of livelihood.
She cited the example of a university graduate in Abuja whose akara business reportedly expanded after receiving support from her office, leading to the employment of 12 workers.
The First Lady maintained that empowering micro-businesses remains one of the practical ways of reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities across the country.
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