Award-winning Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has urged young Nigerians to live with purpose and use their influence to create lasting impact.

He gave the advice on Sunday while delivering a commencement speech at Clifford University, where he also inaugurated a new hostel named after his late mother, Dr Veronica Adeleke.

Sharing moments from the ceremony on his official Instagram page, the singer described the experience as one that went beyond music.

“Standing before the graduating class of Clifford University today giving the commencement speech, I felt something bigger than music. I saw a generation ready to change everything,” he wrote.

Davido told the graduating students that talent may open doors, but only purpose gives life true meaning. He also urged young people across Africa to use their platforms and voices to build for the next generation.

“We live in a time where young people carry the future of Africa in their hands. It’s our time, but it’s also our test, to use our platforms, our influence, and our voices to build, not just for ourselves, but for the next ones coming after us,” he said.

The singer reflected on the values instilled in him by his mother, whom he described as a teacher and giver who believed deeply in education and compassion.

According to him, commissioning the Veronica Adeleke Hostel was not merely a tribute but a continuation of her lifelong mission.

“Walking through that building, seeing the smiles of the students who will live there, I realized this was more than a tribute. It was a continuation of her purpose — turning love into legacy, one life at a time,” he added.