Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on some of the country’s biggest music stars, including Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake, to play a more active role in tackling poverty by supporting vulnerable Nigerians through charitable foundations.
The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, made the appeal on Saturday during the launch of the National Community Food Basket Initiative in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. Her remarks have since sparked widespread conversations across social media, with many Nigerians debating the role celebrities should play in addressing social and economic challenges.
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Remi Tinubu calls for greater celebrity involvement
While addressing guests at the event, Oluremi Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria has many wealthy individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
She noted that although the Federal Government continues to implement programmes aimed at supporting struggling citizens, the scale of poverty across the country means that government efforts alone are not enough.
According to Remi Tinubu, influential entertainers with significant financial resources and millions of followers can also become agents of positive change by investing in humanitarian projects that directly benefit the less privileged.
She specifically mentioned Burna Boy, Davido and Asake as examples of successful Nigerian musicians who could establish foundations dedicated to helping people in need.
Akon cited as an example
During her speech, the First Lady referenced Senegalese-American singer Akon, praising his long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes across Africa.
Over the years, Akon has gained international recognition for initiatives such as Akon Lighting Africa, a project designed to provide electricity to underserved communities in several African countries.
Using the singer as an example, Remi Tinubu encouraged Nigerian entertainers to channel some of their wealth into projects that improve lives and create lasting impact.
“We have a lot of wealthy people. But our priorities are different,” she said.
“I want to appeal to young ones in the entertainment industry. I’ll use a music icon, Akon, who does a lot of great charity work.”
Appeal to Burna Boy, Davido and Asake
The First Lady went on to directly mention some of Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeats stars while encouraging them to establish charitable organisations.
“Asake, Davido, the Burna Boys of this world, and all of them. We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money.”
She stressed that while luxury lifestyles are understandable rewards for years of hard work, successful entertainers should also consider giving back to society in more structured ways.
“The burden on government is huge”
A major part of the First Lady’s message focused on the growing pressure facing the Federal Government as it seeks to provide welfare and social support for millions of Nigerians.
According to her, government alone cannot adequately meet every social and economic need without support from wealthy individuals and private organisations.
“The burden on the government is huge,” she said.
Remi Tinubu added that luxury vehicles such as Maybachs and Rolls-Royces are symbols of success, but encouraged celebrities to balance personal enjoyment with philanthropy.
“Good cars are good; a Maybach and Rolls-Royce are good, but still you can help.”
Mixed reactions online
Remi Tinubu comments quickly generated widespread reactions online.
Some Nigerians supported the appeal, arguing that celebrities who have benefited immensely from public support should use part of their wealth to improve the lives of disadvantaged people through scholarships, healthcare initiatives, skills acquisition programmes and food support.
Others, however, argued that philanthropy should remain a personal decision rather than a public expectation. Some social media users pointed out that several Nigerian entertainers already engage in charitable activities privately without publicising them.
A number of fans also highlighted previous donations and humanitarian efforts by Davido, Burna Boy and other celebrities, noting that many acts of charity are carried out away from media attention.
Growing conversation around celebrity philanthropy
The discussion reflects a broader debate about corporate social responsibility and the influence of celebrities in addressing societal challenges.
Across the world, many entertainers have established charitable foundations that focus on education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, youth development and disaster relief. Their visibility often helps attract additional funding and public awareness for important causes.
In Nigeria, celebrities frequently support communities through donations, scholarships, medical assistance and emergency relief, although not all of these efforts receive widespread publicity.
Whether through formal foundations or individual acts of generosity, the First Lady’s appeal has renewed conversations about how influential public figures can contribute to national development alongside government initiatives.
As Nigeria continues to face economic challenges, Remi Tinubu message underscores the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector and successful individuals in improving the lives of vulnerable citizens.
Learn more about the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady’s social intervention programme, on its official website: https://renewedhopeinitiative.ng/
