Davido announces £450,000 worth of donations to Nigerian orphanages
Davido now hopes to make the fundraising effort an annual event
Davido has announced that he will give away 250 million Nigerian Naira (£450,000) to orphanages across the country, and substance abuse charity The Paroche Foundation, following an appeal to his fans.
The Nigerian-American rapper sent a Tweet last week asking fans who believe “I’ve given you a hit song” to send money to a bank account he detailed under his name. He did not reveal the purpose of the request at the time, but hinted: “Might give it all away.”
Now, Davido has revealed that the money raised will all be donated. He said that the initial request for money was made “in a playful manner” and in celebration of his birthday. He turned 29 yesterday (November 21).
“I have always been passionate about giving back and helping people,” Davido wrote in a lengthy statement. He announced that he will be making a personal 50 million Naira donation in addition to 200million raised by fans, taking the total to 250million.
Davido has named a five-person disbursement committee “to oversee the distribution of funds to beneficiaries.”
He said: “The committee will compile a list of orphanages across Nigeria. They will determine the number of children and their needs at each orphanage, and then divide the funds accordingly. The committee will also determine the portion of the money that will be donated to Paroche foundation.” The names of the beneficiary orphanages and the amounts each will receive will be made public.
Responding to one fan who expressed scepticism over whether the funds will make it to the beneficiaries, Davido replied: “I will personally make sure this doesn’t occur !! I put that on my life !”
Davido said he hopes to make the fundraising an annual event. “My goal is to do this fundraising every year to celebrate my birthday and give back to people in need. It is my hope that my friends, fans, colleagues in the industry, and the public will continue to support me as I drive this cause.”
He added: “Once again, I express my sincere gratitude to my friends, colleagues, fans, and everyone that made this possible. God bless you all.”