Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, publicly appealed to Afrobeats superstars Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake to collaborate on establishing charitable foundations.
The president’s wife called on the singers during the launch of the national community food basket in Lokoja, Kogi state capital on Saturday. Citing the charity works of their Senegalese-American counterpart, Akon, Remi Tinubu urged the Nigerian music stars to start helping poor Nigerians through foundations.The appeal sparked mixed reactions across the country.
While stating that the burden is too huge for the Federal Government to bear, she urged the music stars not to focus on purchasing luxury cars like Maybach, and Rolls-Royce alone.“We have a lot of wealthy people. But our priorities are different. 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.
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.“The burden on the government is huge. Good cars are good; a Maybach and Rolls-Royce are good, but still you can help”, she stated.
Some critics and citizens voiced disagreement, pointing out that the burden of social welfare should fall primarily on the government rather than private citizens. As of now, Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake have not yet released a joint or individual response to her.
