By Lizzy Chirkpi
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged some of the country’s wealthiest entertainers, including Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Asake, to establish charitable foundations to support vulnerable Nigerians, saying government alone cannot bear the burden of tackling poverty.
She made the appeal on Saturday during the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State, stressing that addressing the country’s growing social and economic challenges requires a collective effort involving government, private individuals, philanthropists and public figures.
“The burden on the government is huge,” the First Lady said, as she encouraged successful Nigerians to channel their influence and resources into structured initiatives that provide sustainable support for those in need.
She specifically called on music stars such as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Asake to consider setting up foundations that would enable them to give back to society in a more organised manner.
According to her, such initiatives would complement government interventions, expand support for vulnerable citizens and create opportunities for people striving to improve their livelihoods.
The First Lady also defended her earlier comments advocating support for small-scale businesses as a practical means of economic empowerment, insisting that micro-enterprises can provide a pathway to financial independence when properly supported.
Recounting the story of a graduate in Abuja who resorted to selling akara after failing to secure formal employment, Tinubu said targeted assistance transformed the business into a thriving enterprise.
“There was once I read an article about a young graduate who said he didn’t get a job, and he said he sells akara because he couldn’t get a job and he’s in Abuja.
“We approached him, but I didn’t put my name to it. We equipped him more. He now has 12 workers working under him, and he’s doing very, very well. So our people should never despise jobs,” she said.
Her remarks come amid continued public debate over her previous suggestion that Nigerians could receive grants to establish small businesses such as akara production, roasted corn and kuli-kuli making.
While critics argued that such interventions fall short of addressing the country’s broader unemployment crisis, the First Lady maintained that supporting micro-enterprises remains a viable strategy for reducing poverty and promoting self-reliance.
As part of efforts to boost grassroots businesses, Tinubu announced a ₦100 million intervention under the Renewed Hope Initiative to support 2,000 petty traders in Kogi State. Each beneficiary, she said, will receive ₦50,000 to strengthen and expand their businesses.
She reiterated that reducing poverty and creating economic opportunities require partnerships beyond government, urging individuals and institutions with the capacity to contribute meaningfully to improving the welfare of Nigerians.