Remi Tinubu Urges Burna Boy, Davido, Asake To Set Up Foundations, Support Pepper Sellers, Akara Vendors, Other Poor Nigerians

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

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 establish charitable foundations that will support poor and vulnerable Nigerians, particularly petty traders and small-scale business owners.

Speaking during an empowerment programme in Kogi State, the First Lady said wealthy entertainers should complement government efforts by using part of their wealth to uplift struggling Nigerians through organised philanthropic initiatives.

Addressing the musicians directly, she said, "The Burna Boys of this world, the Asakes, all of them, Davido, we want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money."

She acknowledged that luxury lifestyles are not wrong but stressed that successful celebrities also have a responsibility to give back to society.

"Good cars are good, a Maybach is good, a Rolls-Royce is good, but still, you can help. The burden on the government is huge. You can still help," she said.

Remi Tinubu specifically urged them to support grassroots entrepreneurs, mentioning pepper sellers, vegetable sellers, okra sellers, melon sellers, akara vendors and kuli-kuli traders as examples of hardworking Nigerians who could benefit from financial assistance.

Highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, the First Lady recounted the story of a university graduate in Abuja who turned to selling akara after failing to secure paid employment, describing the business as a dignified means of livelihood.

As part of the programme in Kogi State, Senator Tinubu also distributed grants of ₦50,000 each to 2,000 petty traders to help strengthen their businesses and improve their economic conditions.

She reiterated that tackling poverty requires collective effort, urging wealthy individuals, celebrities and corporate organisations to partner with the government in supporting Nigerians at the grassroots.