First Lady to Burna Boy, Asake, Davido: Channel Your Wealth to Help Most Vulnerable Nigerians

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady, has called on affluent Nigerians, particularly prominent musicians, to leverage their wealth for charitable causes aimed at aiding the country's most vulnerable citizens. She highlighted the significant burden on the government as the primary reason for her appeal.

Speaking at the launch of the North-Central National Community Food Bank in Lokoja, Kogi State, Mrs. Tinubu implored wealthy individuals, especially those in the entertainment industry, to support ongoing philanthropic efforts. "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 stated. She drew parallels with international entertainers who balance their careers with charity work, urging for similar commitments in Nigeria.

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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.

"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," Mrs. Tinubu urged. She also discouraged social stigma associated with modest, lawful employment, recounting the story of a university graduate who found success and now employs others after starting as a street vendor. "Our people should never despise small jobs," she advised.

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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.

Furthermore, Mrs. Tinubu announced a N100 million donation from the Renewed Hope Initiative to support 2,000 petty traders in Kogi State with N50,000 each. She commended the beneficiaries for embracing small-scale enterprises. The First Lady described the food bank program as a sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households, particularly children under six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The initiative is a collaboration between her office, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture.

Mrs. Tinubu also met with traditional rulers in Kogi State, asking them to champion the National Food Bank program and ensure it reaches its intended beneficiaries. She assured them that the Renewed Hope Initiative remains committed to improving the lives of Nigerian families.

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Our people should never despise small jobs.