Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her call for greater support for small-scale businesses while urging some of the country’s biggest entertainers to channel more of their wealth into charitable causes.
Speaking at a public event, the First Lady said Nigeria is blessed with wealthy individuals but argued that more attention should be given to helping vulnerable people and easing the burden on government.
“Nigeria is a great country. We have a lot of wealthy people, but our priorities are different. I think it’s high time we started helping those who need help in the country.”
She specifically appealed to young entertainers, citing Senegalese American music star Akon as an example of a celebrity known for philanthropy and community development.
“I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry. I have mentioned it before, and I will use Akon, a music icon who does a lot of great charity work.”
Referencing some of Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeats stars, the First Lady encouraged them to establish charitable foundations to support struggling Nigerians.
“They make the Burna Boys of this world, the Asakes, Davido, all of them. We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money.”
While acknowledging the success and luxury enjoyed by many celebrities, she stressed that material wealth should go hand in hand with social responsibility.
“Good cars are good. A Maybach is good, a Rolls Royce is good, but still, you can help the people. The burden on the government is huge. You can still help.”
Mrs Tinubu also stood by her earlier remarks encouraging Nigerians to embrace small businesses, again mentioning petty traders such as pepper sellers, vegetable sellers, melon sellers and akara vendors as examples of honest livelihoods.
“There are pepper sellers, there are vegetable sellers, there are okra sellers, melon sellers and akara sellers. Akara is delicious, I can tell you that.”
Her renewed comments come after her earlier remarks about akara and other small businesses generated widespread public debate, with critics arguing that the government should focus more on creating jobs and improving economic opportunities.