Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on some of the country’s biggest music stars to dedicate part of their wealth to helping poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Tinubu specifically mentioned Davido, Burna Boy and Asake while speaking on Saturday, July 11, during the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State.
She encouraged the Afrobeats stars to establish charitable foundations and support small traders, unemployed young people and families struggling with poverty.
Tinubu acknowledged that successful entertainers have the right to enjoy expensive cars and other luxuries. However, she argued that personal success should be balanced with greater support for disadvantaged communities.
“Good cars are good; a Maybach is good. Rolls-Royce is good, but still you can help,” Tinubu said.
She added that “the burden on the government is huge,” arguing that wealthy Nigerians should complement government programmes by contributing to social and community development. Channels Television
Why Tinubu mentioned Akon
The First Lady cited Senegalese-American musician Akon as an example of an African entertainer associated with charitable and development projects.
She encouraged Nigerian music stars to adopt a similar approach by creating foundations capable of supporting people beyond occasional personal donations.
Tinubu said Nigeria has many wealthy citizens, but suggested that greater attention should be placed on helping those facing economic hardship.
NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT
Oluremi Tinubu Urges Davido, Burna Boy & Asake to Help Poor Nigerians
Oluremi Tinubu urged Davido, Burna Boy and Asake to establish charitable foundations and help poor Nigerians through organized community support.
July 13, 2026 at 9:23:22 AM
August 24, 2026 at 8:53:02 AM
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Nigeria's President Tinubu & First Lady Oluremi Tinubu visit Tate Modern in London /GettyImages
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on some of the country’s biggest music stars to dedicate part of their wealth to helping poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Tinubu specifically mentioned Davido, Burna Boy and Asake while speaking on Saturday, July 11, during the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State.
She encouraged the Afrobeats stars to establish charitable foundations and support small traders, unemployed young people and families struggling with poverty.
Tinubu acknowledged that successful entertainers have the right to enjoy expensive cars and other luxuries. However, she argued that personal success should be balanced with greater support for disadvantaged communities.
“Good cars are good; a Maybach is good. Rolls-Royce is good, but still you can help,” Tinubu said.
She added that “the burden on the government is huge,” arguing that wealthy Nigerians should complement government programmes by contributing to social and community development. Channels Television
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Why Tinubu mentioned Akon
The First Lady cited Senegalese-American musician Akon as an example of an African entertainer associated with charitable and development projects.
She encouraged Nigerian music stars to adopt a similar approach by creating foundations capable of supporting people beyond occasional personal donations.
Tinubu said Nigeria has many wealthy citizens, but suggested that greater attention should be placed on helping those facing economic hardship.
Her remarks were not a demand that the musicians surrender their earnings or stop enjoying their success. Instead, she was asking them to build more organized charitable programmes through which their wealth and influence could benefit struggling communities.
First Lady defends small-business empowerment
Tinubu’s appeal formed part of a wider speech defending her support for petty traders and small businesses.
She had previously faced criticism after promoting businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, vegetables and other local products as possible sources of income. Critics argued that such programmes were too limited to address unemployment and Nigeria’s wider economic problems.
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Responding to the criticism in Lokoja, Tinubu said legitimate small businesses should not be dismissed because they can provide income and create employment.
She referred to the case of a university graduate in Abuja who reportedly began selling akara after failing to secure formal employment. According to Tinubu, her team helped him expand the business, which now employs 12 people.
The First Lady said the example demonstrated how small financial interventions could help individuals expand their businesses and employ others. International Centre for Investigative Reporting
₦100 million announced for Kogi traders
During the event, Tinubu also announced that the Renewed Hope Initiative had donated ₦100 million to support 2,000 petty traders in Kogi State.
Each beneficiary is expected to receive ₦50,000 to recapitalize or expand an existing business.
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The First Lady said the programme was intended to support people engaged in small-scale activities, including food processing, vegetable selling and other forms of local trade. TVC News
Her comments have attracted debate because Davido, Burna Boy and Asake are private citizens whose money comes largely from their music careers. Some Nigerians agree that wealthy celebrities should give more to their communities. Others argue that elected governments, which control public resources, carry the primary responsibility for reducing poverty and creating employment.
The three musicians had not issued widely reported public responses to Tinubu’s remarks as of July 13, 2026.
Tinubu’s central message was that government programmes alone cannot meet the needs of every struggling Nigerian. She wants entertainers, business leaders and other wealthy citizens to use organized philanthropy to support poor communities while continuing to enjoy the rewards of their success.
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