Five-time Grammy-nominated Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has defended his decision to wear a customised jacket bearing the names of abducted Oyo pupils and teachers during his performance at a 2026 FIFA World Cup event.
The singer said Nigeria’s image should not be placed above the safety of children who are still missing.
Davido stated this in an interview with Focus on Africa host, Waihiga Mwaura, shared on Sunday.
According to him, many people avoid speaking about Nigeria’s security challenges because they want to protect the country’s image.
“There’s no image to protect if little kids are being kidnapped,” he said.
The singer explained that although he was honoured to perform at the World Cup event, he also felt a duty to use the global platform to draw attention to the situation at home.
He said Nigerians in positions of influence must use their platforms to speak about issues affecting the country.
Davido added that his own influence comes through music and live performances.
“My power is in music, performances,” he said.
He said the missing pupils and teachers had not been found, adding that his action was meant to project the reality of the crisis to the world.
The singer had earlier appeared on stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles wearing a black leather jacket with the words “BRING THEM HOME” written on the back.
The jacket also carried pins bearing the names of 39 abducted children and seven teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, during coordinated attacks on schools in the area.
The incident sparked national concern and renewed calls for stronger protection of schools, especially in communities vulnerable to attacks.
Davido’s outfit attracted widespread attention online, with many Nigerians praising him for using a global entertainment platform to spotlight the plight of the abducted pupils and teachers.
FIFA had earlier confirmed Davido as one of the performers at the Los Angeles leg of the World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert, alongside Major Lazer.
The singer is also among the Nigerian artistes featured in the official FIFA World Cup 2026 music project, alongside Burna Boy, Rema and Ayra Starr.
His latest comment comes amid continued concern over the whereabouts of the abducted victims and growing public pressure on authorities to secure their release.
