Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on some of the nation’s biggest entertainment stars—including Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake—to channel part of their wealth into charitable foundations dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking on Saturday in Lokoja, Kogi State, during the launch of the National Community Food Bank, the First Lady emphasized that while Nigeria is blessed with many wealthy individuals, more collective responsibility is needed to tackle poverty and support those struggling to survive.
She urged successful entertainers and other affluent Nigerians to complement government efforts by investing in humanitarian initiatives that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
“The burden on the government is huge,” she said. “Good cars are good. A Maybach is good. A Rolls-Royce is good. But you can still help the poor. We want to see Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, and others establish foundations that will support those in need.”
Drawing inspiration from international music icon Akon, whom she praised for his philanthropic work across Africa, Mrs. Tinubu encouraged Nigerian celebrities to use their influence and resources to create lasting social impact.
The First Lady also advised Nigerians not to look down on honest work, stressing that every legitimate business has dignity. She shared the story of a university graduate in Abuja who turned to selling akara after struggling to secure employment. According to her, after receiving support, the young entrepreneur expanded his business and now employs 12 people.
She noted that the story demonstrates the importance of entrepreneurship and perseverance, urging Nigerians to embrace productive ventures rather than waiting endlessly for white-collar jobs.
As part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Tinubu announced the donation of ₦100 million to empower 2,000 petty traders in Kogi State. Each beneficiary will receive ₦50,000 to strengthen and expand their existing businesses.
She commended the beneficiaries for embracing small-scale businesses and expressed satisfaction at seeing many women proudly display the products they sell during her visit, describing it as evidence that the empowerment message is yielding positive results.
The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to supporting grassroots economic empowerment and called for greater collaboration between government, the private sector, philanthropists, and successful Nigerians to reduce poverty and promote inclusive national development.
