First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has appealed to some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, including Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake, to establish charitable foundations that support vulnerable Nigerians and small business owners.
Speaking during the launch of the National Community Food Bank in Kogi State on Friday, the First Lady said the responsibility of improving the welfare of Nigerians should not rest solely on the government, urging wealthy entertainers to contribute to grassroots development.
She pointed to Senegalese-American singer Akon as an example of a global music star who has consistently invested in humanitarian and community development projects.
“I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry. I’ve mentioned it before, and I will use Akon, a music icon who does a lot of great charity work.
“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.
“Good cars are good. A Maybach is good. Rolls-Royce is good, but you can still help. The burden on the government is huge.
“You can still help. There are pepper sellers. There are vegetable sellers. There are okra sellers, melon sellers, akara and kulikuli sellers. Akara is delicious, I can tell you that,” she said.
The First Lady also encouraged Nigerians, particularly young people, not to look down on honest means of earning a living, regardless of the nature of the business.
She recounted the story of a university graduate who turned to selling akara after failing to secure white-collar employment.
“And 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, and he’s in Abuja.
“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. So our people should never despise jobs,” she added.
Her latest comments come amid continued public discussions about youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and the role of successful Nigerians in supporting economic development through philanthropy and community initiatives.
