The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, welcomed Afrobeat star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, during a courtesy visit. On Monday, Akpabio expressed his pleasure at the visit and praised Davido for making Nigeria proud with his exceptional performances.
“You have made us very proud within the international community,” Akpabio said to Davido, who was accompanied by his cousins, Tunji Adeleke and Folasade Adeleke, among others. Tunji is the son of Davido's late uncle, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, and Folasade is the daughter of Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
The Senate President assured his guests that the government would do everything possible to support the entertainment industry. He urged them to maintain high ethical standards and resist negative peer influence that could lead them astray.
“For me and the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is an inclusive administration. You must have noticed in my various outings that we move as one, across party lines. Even though your administration is a PDP one, we work across party lines for the interest of Nigeria. The only major thing that is common to all of us is the interest of this country, which has given you so much love. It is a country with a population unmatched anywhere else in Africa, with over 240 million Nigerians. So I want you to continue to remain a great ambassador of our country. Don’t allow anybody to drag you into politics. Continue to do your best in the entertainment industry.”
Akpabio added, “For us in the political arena, we value talents, and what God has given to you, nobody can take away from you. We do everything possible to support the industry and talented people like you. All we need also is patience and prayers so that we can succeed. Please continue to maintain high ethics. What is happening in America with some of the black stars is unfortunate. For most of you in the industry, don’t allow peer group influence to derail you. Continue to do your best. The entertainment industry is like a pyramid. You start from the ground until you get there. When you are on top, your job is to remain there. So anybody who walks on a tightrope must learn how to do the balancing act. Our prayer is that God should sustain you there and continue to give you more wisdom and more talent to make Nigeria proud. We are very proud of you.”
Davido informed the Senate President of his Foundation, which primarily supports orphanages, and mentioned his new album to be released in June or July. He highlighted the importance of private sector contributions to social welfare, noting that government efforts alone are insufficient to address the needs of orphaned and abandoned children.
“As for me, I’m doing my part. I have a Foundation. Every year, I share N300 million, and N400 million to orphanages. I am just doing my part to assist society. We have a new album coming out in June or July. I thank you for everything you have been doing for us,” Davido stated.
Senate President Akpabio commended Davido for his dedication and urged other celebrities and wealthy individuals to follow his example. He emphasized that such philanthropic activities significantly complement governmental initiatives and play a crucial role in improving the lives of disadvantaged Nigerians. Akpabio also assured Davido of the Senate’s support in creating policies encouraging and facilitating private contributions to social causes.
