The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged wealthy Nigerians — including entertainers such as Burna Boy, Davido and Asake — to complement government efforts by supporting the country’s poor.
Speaking on Saturday at the launch of a national community food bank in Lokoja, Mrs. Tinubu said luxury possessions are acceptable, but those with means should also set up foundations or charity initiatives to help the less privileged.
“Nigeria is a great country. We have a lot of wealthy people. But our priorities are different. And I think it’s high time we started helping those who need help in the country,” she said. “The Burna Boys of this world, Asake, all of them, Davido — we want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money. Good cars are good; a Maybach is good. Rolls‑Royce is good, but still you can still help. The burden on the government is huge.”
Mrs. Tinubu cited international musician Akon as an example of an artist who has done significant philanthropic work, and appealed to entertainers to emulate such efforts.
She also urged Nigerians not to look down on legitimate small businesses and trades, singling out akara sellers and other petty traders as examples of respectable livelihoods. Mrs. Tinubu recounted a case of a young graduate in Abuja who turned to selling akara after failing to secure a job; after support from her office he now employs 12 people.
On empowerment, Mrs. Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has donated ₦100 million to the Kogi State First Lady’s office to empower 2,000 petty traders with ₦50,000 each to recapitalise their businesses. She commended the beneficiaries for their entrepreneurial spirit and said the gesture underscores the need for private philanthropy alongside government programmes.
