Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, gained widespread attention after wearing a customised jacket bearing the names of abducted students and teachers from Oyo State.
Davido wore the jacket to draw attention to the growing insecurity in Nigeria and to highlight the plight of victims who remain missing. His gesture sparked conversations across social media, with many Nigerians praising him for using his platform to advocate for those affected by kidnappings.
During an interview with the BBC, Davido explained the reasoning behind his decision and shared the message he wanted the world to hear. 
Davido expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform at the World Cup, but he also felt obliged to raise awareness about the serious issues affecting Nigeria. He said he could not ignore the pain and suffering that many Nigerian families continue to experience due to abductions and insecurity.
READ ALSO: Here’s All Toke Makinwa Said About Dating on MENtality With Ebuka
“As much as I was happy to do the World Cup, we also have to understand that there are things going on back home in our country which we have the power to let the world know through our own means. We have students missing that have not been found, so I used my platform (music) to project what’s really going on,” he said.
The singer noted that music and entertainment can serve as powerful tools for drawing global attention to problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Davido also criticised efforts to remain silent about the country’s challenges just to preserve Nigeria’s reputation. He emphasised that people should confront difficult realities instead of pretending that everything is fine.
“A lot of people don’t want to talk about what’s going on in my country simply because they want to protect the image. But there is no image to protect because little kids are being kidnapped,” he added.
His comments resonated with many Nigerians who have repeatedly called for stronger action against kidnappings and other security challenges across the country. Several social media users commended the singer for speaking openly about the issue and for using an international platform to amplify the voices of affected families.
Many supporters described Davido’s action as a reminder that entertainers can play an important role in creating awareness about social and humanitarian issues. Others praised him for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable children and teachers over concerns about public perception.
ALSO READ: Davido’s World Cup Fashion Exposes Afrobeats’ Pivot From Loud Resistance
About The Author
