Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has urged leading musicians to give back through charity. Remi Tinubu appeals to Burna Boy, Davido and Asake by encouraging them to establish foundations for poor Nigerians. She made the appeal during the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Speaking on Saturday, the First Lady said successful entertainers have the resources to support vulnerable communities. She specifically mentioned Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake as artists who could make a lasting impact through philanthropy.
She also referenced Senegalese-American singer Akon for his long-standing charitable work.”I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry,” she said. “We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money.” She added that luxury cars are not the problem. However, entertainers should also invest in improving people’s lives.
Furthermore, Tinubu said the burden of supporting millions of struggling Nigerians cannot rest on the government alone. She encouraged wealthy individuals to assist traders and small business owners across the country. Pepper sellers, vegetable sellers, okra sellers, melon sellers, and akara vendors formed part of her examples.
Her latest comments come weeks after her earlier remarks about empowering women through grants. She suggested beneficiaries could start businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn, and processing kuli-kuli. Those comments attracted criticism from some Nigerians and groups, who argued they underestimated the economic challenges facing women.
Despite the backlash, the First Lady defended the Renewed Hope Initiative’s grassroots empowerment programme. Remi Tinubu appeals to Burna Boy, Davido and Asake as she calls for stronger collaboration between government, celebrities, and private citizens to support vulnerable Nigerians.
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