By Olubunmi Omoogun – Afrobeat sensation, songwriter and record producer, David Adedeji Adeleke, OON known professionally as Davido has commended the President of the Senate and other members of the 10th National Assembly in Nigeria for the support they are giving to the hardworking artistes in the entertainment industry in the country.
Davido who is one of the most important Afrobeats artists of the 21st century, said this during his courtesy visit to the Senate President at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja last week.
Appreciating the President of the 10th Senate, Davido recalled how Akpabio hosted him and his team while Sen. Akpabio was Governor of Akwa Ibom State and also while he was a Minister of Niger Delta affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Recounting the outstanding contributions his Foundation is making to assist the less privileged in the society, the son of the billionaire brother of the current governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, Davido said, his Foundation which primarily offers assistance to the orphanages is forging ahead and also used the opportunity to introduce his new album to be released in June or July, to the President of the 10th Senate.
“As for me, I’m doing my part. I have a Foundation. Every year, I share N300 million, N400 million to orphanages. Just doing my own part to assist the society. We have new album coming out in June or July. I just thank you for everything you have been doing for us,” Davido said.
President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio who is also a charismatic leader and supporter of the entertainment industry expressed his delight at the visit and showered encomiums on the Afrobeat Star for making Nigeria proud by his outstanding performance.
“You have made us very proud within the International Community,” Akpabio told Davido who came in company of two of his cousins, Hon. Tunji Adeleke, son of his late uncle, former Senator, Sen. Isiaka Adeleke and Folasade Adeleke, daughter of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The Senate President who built one of the most iconic stadia in Africa, named the ‘Bird’s Nest’ in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state told his guests that “we will do everything possible to support the entertainment industry. ” He however charged them to continue to maintain high ethics and resist peer influence that could derail them.
Akpabio said: “For me and for the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it’s an inclusive administration, and you must have noticed in my various outings, we move as one, across party lines.
“Though your uncle’s administration in Osun is a PDP one but 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 and it is a country that has given you so much love.
“It is a country with a population that is unmatched anywhere else in Africa. 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.
“For us in the political arena, we value talents and what God has given to you, nobody can take it away from you. We do everything possible to support the industry. To support talented people like you. All we need is patience and prayers so that we can succeed.
While advising the music producer, the former Akwa Ibom state governor said, “Please do your best to continue to maintain the high ethics. What is happening in America with some of the black stars is quite unfortunate. For most of you in the industry, don’t allow peer group influence 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 own is how to remain there. So anybody who walks on a tight rope must learn how to do the balancing act. And so, your job is to remain there.
“Our prayers is that God should sustain you there and to continue to give you more wisdom and more talent for you to continue to make Nigeria proud. We are very proud of you.”
Kindly follow us on twitter:@AfricanVoice2
