Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on award-winning musicians Burna Boy and Davido, alongside other successful entertainers, to increase their charitable efforts by supporting vulnerable Nigerians and investing in initiatives that improve livelihoods.
The First Lady made the appeal while speaking at a public event, where she stressed that celebrities have an important role to play in complementing government efforts to reduce poverty and empower disadvantaged communities.
Oluremi Tinubu said there was nothing wrong with successful entertainers enjoying the rewards of their achievements, including owning luxury vehicles such as Rolls-Royce and Maybach cars. However, she encouraged them to devote part of their wealth to philanthropic causes that directly benefit ordinary Nigerians.
“We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money,” she said, urging prominent figures in the entertainment industry to establish or strengthen charitable foundations capable of creating lasting social impact.
Also read: ‘Luxury is fine, but help the poor,’ Remi Tinubu tells Davido, Burna Boy
Highlighting the importance of grassroots empowerment, the First Lady pointed to small-scale traders including akara sellers, vegetable vendors, pepper sellers and other informal business owners as examples of hardworking Nigerians who could benefit from financial assistance and business support.
She argued that modest interventions, such as grants or startup capital, could enable many low-income entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, create jobs and improve their standard of living.
To illustrate her point, Oluremi Tinubu recounted the story of a university graduate in Abuja who turned to selling akara after being unable to secure formal employment. According to her, the entrepreneur later received financial support, expanded the business and now employs several workers.
She described the example as evidence that targeted assistance can transform lives and generate employment, urging successful Nigerians to use their resources to empower others.
The First Lady also referenced international artistes known for philanthropy, encouraging Nigerian entertainers to emulate such examples by investing in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and community development.
Her remarks come amid ongoing discussions about economic hardship and the role of wealthy individuals, corporate organisations and public figures in addressing poverty and promoting social welfare.
While government programmes remain central to tackling economic challenges, Oluremi Tinubu maintained that partnerships with the private sector and influential personalities could significantly enhance efforts to support vulnerable citizens.
The comments have since generated discussions on social media, with many Nigerians debating the extent to which celebrities should be expected to contribute to charitable causes alongside their professional and business pursuits.
