Isaac Fayose has defended Nigerian music stars Davido, Burna Boy and Asake following First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s appeal for leading entertainers to increase their support for vulnerable Nigerians.
Fayose, a brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, reacted to the First Lady’s comments in an Instagram video shared on Sunday.
Mrs Tinubu had reportedly encouraged prominent musicians to establish charitable foundations and direct more of their resources towards humanitarian causes.
She specifically mentioned artistes including Davido, Burna Boy and Asake while urging influential entertainers to help reduce the suffering of disadvantaged citizens.
Fayose, however, argued that the musicians had already been contributing to society in their individual capacities.
“Davido, Burna Boy and Asake have been trying in their own way. The governors should do more,” he said.
He maintained that entertainers should not be placed under greater pressure to address problems that government institutions are primarily responsible for solving.
Fayose Defends Music Stars Against Growing Expectations
Fayose said the First Lady should direct a similar appeal to governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
He proposed that APC governors allocate N500 million monthly to programmes supporting vulnerable residents, petty traders and low-income families in their states.
According to him, such government-led interventions would have a broader impact than relying mainly on donations from celebrities.
Fayose also questioned the reported purchase of sport utility vehicles for APC women leaders, arguing that the money could have supported small-scale traders and struggling families.
He mentioned groundnut sellers, pepper traders and àkàrà vendors among those who could benefit from targeted financial assistance.
His response has added to the recurring conversation about the demands placed on successful Nigerian entertainers to provide personal financial assistance during periods of economic hardship.
Davido, Burna Boy and Asake are among Nigeria’s most commercially successful musicians, with large audiences locally and internationally.
While several Nigerian celebrities operate charitable initiatives or make private donations, Fayose argued that their efforts should complement government welfare programmes rather than replace them.
