Remi Tinubu to Davido, Burna Boy: Be like Akon, use your wealth to help poor Nigerians

 Remi Tinubu, Nigeria’s first lady, has called on the
country’s entertainment industry heavyweights to increase their charitable
contributions and help alleviate the suffering of struggling citizens.

 

Speaking on Saturday during the launch of the National
Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kofi state, Tinubu encouraged wealthy
Nigerians to redirect their priorities toward humanitarian causes.

The first lady specifically appealed to prominent musicians
including Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake, urging them to establish foundations
dedicated to supporting the less privileged.

She cited Senegalese-American singer Akon as a positive
example of an artiste engaged in substantial philanthropic work.

Tinubu acknowledged that luxury cars and lavish lifestyles
are not inherently wrong but emphasised that celebrities should also prioritise
giving back to society.

“We have a lot of wealthy people but I think our priorities
are different. I think it is high time we started helping those who need help
in the country. I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment
industry,” she said.

“I have mentioned it before and I would use Akon, a music
icon who does a lot of great charity work. They make the Burna Boys of this
world, Asake all of them, Davido. We want to see you with one foundation or the
other.

“Help 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. There are pepper
sellers. They are vegetable sellers, they are okro sellers, melon sellers,
akara, kuli-kuli sellers. Akara is delicious, I can tell you that.”

Tinubu’s appeal follows similar comments made weeks ago,
which generated significant public debate.

While some Nigerians criticised her remarks as disconnected
from the country’s severe economic realities, others defended her, viewing the
suggestions as practical approaches to addressing unemployment.

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