Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged wealthy entertainers to use their resources to support poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
She specifically called on Afrobeats stars Davido, Burna Boy and Asake to establish foundations through which they could assist people struggling with poverty.
Tinubu made the appeal on Saturday during the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The First Lady said Nigeria had many wealthy citizens but questioned whether they had placed enough attention on helping people in need.
She cited Senegalese-American singer Akon as an example of a successful entertainer who had invested in humanitarian projects.
The First Lady said, “We have a lot of wealthy people but I think our priorities are different. I think it is high time we started helping those who need help in the country. I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry.
“I have mentioned it before and I would use Akon, a music icon who does a lot of great charity work. They make the Burna Boys of this world, Asake all of them, Davido. We want to see you with one foundation or the other.”
She said celebrities could enjoy the rewards of their success while contributing to efforts aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged Nigerians.
According to her, owning expensive vehicles should not stop wealthy entertainers from supporting people who lack basic needs.
She added, “Help the poor with your money. Good cars are good. A Maybach is good, Rolls Royce is good but still you can still help.”
Tinubu also called on other affluent Nigerians to support humanitarian projects, saying the government could not meet every need alone.
“The burden on the government is huge. There are pepper sellers. They are vegetable sellers, they are okro sellers, melon sellers, akara, kuli-kuli sellers. Akara is delicious; I can tell you that,” she said.
The First Lady also defended small businesses as genuine sources of income for Nigerians who could not secure formal employment.
She recalled the experience of a graduate in Abuja who started selling akara after failing to find a job.
According to Tinubu, the man received additional equipment through a support programme and later expanded his business to employ 12 people.
She urged Nigerians not to look down on honest work, regardless of the size or nature of the business.
Tinubu also announced that the Renewed Hope Initiative had donated N100m to the Office of the Kogi State First Lady.
The money would provide N50,000 grants to 2,000 petty traders to help them strengthen their businesses.
Her latest comments followed the public debate triggered by her earlier recommendation that Nigerians consider small businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli.
Some Nigerians criticised the suggestion, arguing that it failed to reflect the depth of unemployment and economic hardship in the country.
Others defended the proposal, saying small businesses could provide income and create jobs when properly funded and managed.
Tinubu, however, maintained that the government’s grassroots empowerment programmes had produced results and would continue despite the criticism.
She said support from entertainers, business owners and other wealthy citizens could reduce pressure on the government and provide direct assistance to people facing hardship.
