First Lady Urges Afrobeats Stars to Prioritize Philanthropy

​Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has issued a fresh appeal to the nation’s affluent citizens and entertainment icons, urging them to prioritize philanthropy alongside their personal success. Speaking on Saturday at the launch of the North Central National Community Food Bank in Lokoja, Kogi State, the First Lady highlighted the vast potential for wealth-redistribution through private foundations.

​Directly addressing global Afrobeats sensations—including Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake—Senator Tinubu acknowledged the appeal of high-end luxury but emphasized that such status comes with a social responsibility to assist the vulnerable.

​“Good cars are good; a Maybach is good. Rolls-Royce is good, but still, you can help,” she remarked. “The burden on the government is huge… We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money”.

​Standing Firm on Grassroots Empowerment

​During the event, the First Lady also addressed the recent controversy surrounding her support for petty trading as a means of economic independence. Despite previous public criticism regarding her suggestions that women utilize grants for small-scale businesses—such as frying akara or selling produce—she maintained that these micro-enterprises are a vital backbone of the Nigerian economy.

​“I’m glad that the women who are beneficiaries got the idea, because I saw them bringing their trays of different food items, very small items, to welcome me today,” she said, noting that such trades provide legitimate paths to self-reliance.

​Renewed Hope Initiative Boosts Kogi Traders

​As part of the visit, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by the First Lady, announced a significant intervention for the state’s micro-entrepreneurs. A donation of ₦100 million was presented to the wife of the Kogi State Governor, intended to provide ₦50,000 in capital to each of 2,000 petty traders.

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​The program, which aims to help traders recapitalize their businesses, is part of a broader, ongoing effort by the RHI to bolster grassroots economic participation. The First Lady stated that these funds are derived from private donations rather than government coffers, emphasizing that the initiative is built on the generosity of those who support her vision for a more inclusive Nigerian economy.

​Senator Tinubu concluded her visit by appealing to traditional rulers to serve as advocates for the new National Community Food Bank, ensuring that the resources reach the most vulnerable families, specifically pregnant women and young children.