Nigeria: First Lady urges Burna Boy, Davido and Asake to help poor Nigerians

During an official gathering in Kogi State, Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, made a passionate appeal to Afrobeats stars and wealthy citizens of the country, urging them to become more involved in social causes to alleviate the daily struggles of the most vulnerable populations.

In light of the current economic situation, the wife of the Nigerian head of state believes that national solidarity must take precedence, and that wealthy celebrities have a crucial role to play. Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Afrobeats superstars Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake to reach out to the Nigerian people through foundations.

She believes the country's wealth must be used to help the poorest, as the state cannot bear the burden alone. She stated that Nigeria has many wealthy individuals and called on them to offer assistance to those in need, emphasizing that "the burden on the government is immense."

Taking advantage of the launch of the national community food bank in Lokoja, Kogi State, Oluremi Tinubu urged the golden youth of the music industry to follow in the footsteps of pan-African icons who are involved in humanitarian work:

“Nigeria is a great country. We have many wealthy people. But our priorities are different. And I think it’s high time we started helping those in need in the country. I want to make an appeal to our young people in the entertainment industry. I’ve mentioned this before, and I’ll take the example of Akon, a music icon who is doing tremendous charitable work,” said Ms. Tinubu.

For the First Lady, no gesture is insignificant, and aid must absolutely reach small local businesses that keep the informal economy going:

"You can always lend a hand. There are chili sellers. Vegetable sellers. Okra, melon, akara and kulikuli sellers. The akara is delicious, I can guarantee it," she added.

Beyond charity, the wife of President Bola Tinubu was keen to convey a message of valuing work, urging young people not to underestimate subsistence entrepreneurship.

She then shared an inspiring anecdote to illustrate her point:

“Once, I read an article about a young graduate in Abuja who said he couldn’t find a job. He explained that he was selling akara because he couldn’t find work. We approached him, without me mentioning my name. We provided him with better equipment. Today, he has 12 employees under his command and his business is doing very, very well. Our fellow citizens should therefore never look down on a job,” she stated.

To put her words into action, the First Lady didn't stop at speeches. As part of her social program, she announced massive financial aid aimed at boosting local commerce in Kogi.

Speaking about empowerment programs in Kogi, Ms. Tinubu announced a donation to support 2,000 more small traders in the state. She also commended the beneficiaries' efforts:

“Today, in that same spirit, the Renewed Hope initiative donated 100 million naira to the First Lady of Kogi State and coordinator of the initiative, to support 2,000 other small traders in Kogi State with 50,000 naira each, to recapitalize their existing businesses. And I am delighted that the women beneficiaries understood the message, as I saw them bringing trays filled with various food items and small goods to welcome me today. I think the message has been received loud and clear, regardless of how some try to distort it,” concluded Ms. Tinubu.

It remains to be seen whether the giants of Afrobeats, used to shining on the international stage, will respond favorably to this direct overture from the presidency.