By Chesa Chesa
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described small and medium-scale entrepreneurs as the backbone of the nation’s economy, calling on wealthy Nigerians, particularly successful entertainers, to establish charitable foundations to support vulnerable citizens and small business owners.
Speaking on Saturday at the launch of the North Central National Community Food Bank in Lokoja, Kogi State, the First Lady said the burden of addressing poverty and social welfare should not rest on government alone.
She specifically urged prominent musicians such as Burna Boy, Davido and Asake, along with other affluent Nigerians, to dedicate part of their wealth to organised philanthropy aimed at improving the lives of the less privileged.
“We have a lot of wealthy people. But our priorities are different. And I think it’s high time we started helping those who need help in the country,” she said.
Drawing parallels with international celebrities who combine successful careers with humanitarian work, Senator Tinubu challenged Nigerian entertainers to emulate the practice.
“The Burna Boys of this world, Asake, all of them, Davido. We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money,” she added.
The First Lady also encouraged Nigerians not to look down on modest but legitimate means of livelihood, stressing that small businesses remain vital to economic growth and job creation.
She narrated the story of a university graduate who resorted to street vending after being unable to secure formal employment. Following financial support, the individual expanded the business and now employs about 12 people.
“Our people should never despise small jobs,” she said.
To further support grassroots entrepreneurship, Senator Tinubu announced an additional donation of ₦100 million through the Renewed Hope Initiative to the wife of the Kogi State Governor. The fund will provide grants of ₦50,000 each to 2,000 petty traders across the state.
She commended the beneficiaries for embracing small-scale businesses, noting that the trays of pepper, tomatoes, okra and other items they displayed while welcoming her reflected the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Earlier, the First Lady described the National Community Food Bank Programme as a deliberate and sustainable intervention designed to combat food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households.
She explained that the initiative targets children under the age of six, pregnant women and nursing mothers by ensuring access to nutritious food.
According to her, the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting food security, improving healthcare outcomes and building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
She noted that the programme is being implemented through a partnership involving the Office of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Bank of Agriculture.
Before the launch of the food bank, Senator Tinubu met with the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, urging them to champion the initiative and ensure that food assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable children and mothers.
