First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has appealed to leading Afrobeats stars Davido, Burna Boy and Asake to channel part of their wealth into supporting vulnerable Nigerians grappling with the country’s economic challenges.
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 acknowledged that the entertainers had earned the right to enjoy the rewards of their success but urged them to establish charitable foundations that would empower the less privileged and provide financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs.
According to the First Lady, the scale of Nigeria’s economic hardship requires collective efforts beyond government intervention.
“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.
Mrs Tinubu encouraged the musicians to emulate Senegalese-American singer Akon, whom she praised for his humanitarian work across Africa.
“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 stressed that successful entertainers could make a meaningful impact by assisting petty traders and other micro-business owners.
“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.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living and the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians.
Mrs Tinubu also addressed criticism surrounding her recent remarks on the Renewed Hope Agenda, where she highlighted government support for women through grants to establish businesses such as roasted corn, akara and kuli-kuli ventures.
Defending the initiative, she maintained that such businesses remain sustainable sources of income and employment.
She cited the example of a university graduate in Abuja whose akara business reportedly expanded after receiving support from her office, enabling the entrepreneur to employ 12 workers.
The First Lady reiterated that empowering micro-businesses remains one of the most practical ways to reduce poverty, create jobs and improve livelihoods across the country.