A former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ife Federal Constituency, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, has commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for urging Nigeria’s leading music icons, including Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, and others—to dedicate part of their wealth to charitable initiatives that uplift the poor and vulnerable.
In a statement he personally signed on Monday and made available to newsmen, Makinde emphasized that the First Lady’s remarks deserve thoughtful defense and broad national support. The movement described her appeal as a patriotic effort to encourage influential cultural icons to contribute meaningfully to social development.
Senator Tinubu had noted last week that while luxury and success are commendable, wealthy Nigerians, particularly globally celebrated artists, should extend their resources toward helping the less privileged.
The First lady explained that such acts of generosity would help reduce poverty and hardship, thereby “depopulating the vulnerable demography” in the country.
Makinde stressed that the First Lady’s intervention should not be misconstrued or trivialized. Instead, it should be seen as a call for collective responsibility, where government, private citizens, and cultural leaders work together to address pressing social challenges.
The Ife-born politician highlighted that Nigeria’s music stars, who enjoy immense global recognition, have the capacity to inspire hope and drive change through philanthropy.
Makinde also cautioned critics against dismissing Senator Tinubu’s remarks as elitist or misplaced. It argued that encouraging celebrities to invest in humanitarian causes is not about shifting responsibility away from government, but about fostering collaboration and leveraging influence for the greater good.
He further underscored that true national progress requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including those whose fame and fortune can be harnessed to transform lives.
His statement reads, “As First Lady, Senator Tinubu is setting a tone of national responsibility, wealth and influence essentially carry obligations, especially in a country where millions struggle with poverty.
“Around the world, celebrities spearhead philanthropy. From Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation to Akon’s solar projects in Africa, stars have leveraged fame and fortune to uplift communities. Nigerian artists, with their global reach, are well-positioned to do the same.
“Nigerian music is more than entertainment; it is a cultural export shaping perceptions of Africa worldwide. If these artists visibly invest in social causes, they amplify hope and inspire millions of fans to embrace generosity.
“Some critics may argue that artists should not be pressured into philanthropy or that government alone should shoulder the responsibility. However, the First Lady’s call is not coercion, it is an invitation. Philanthropy thrives when voluntary, and her words simply highlight the impact these stars could make. Celebrities often enjoy more trust and visibility than institutions, and their involvement can bridge gaps, mobilize communities, and ensure aid reaches the grassroots.
“Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s appeal is a pragmatic acknowledgment of the power of culture and wealth in shaping society. Nigeria’s music icons are not just entertainers, they are role models, ambassadors, and potential agents of change. True greatness lies not only in global awards and sold-out concerts, but also in the ability to transform lives at home.”
