Federal Government Honors Davido for Elevating Nigeria’s Global Image

The Federal Government of Nigeria recognized Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, known as Davido, for his contributions to promoting Nigeria positively on the global stage.

The accolade was presented during a ceremony in Abuja, hosted by the Ministry of Information and Culture, where Minister Mohammed Idris praised Davido’s music and philanthropy as “a beacon of Nigerian excellence.” The 32-year-old artist, behind hits like Fall and Assurance, was lauded for showcasing Nigeria’s cultural richness through his performances and collaborations with international stars like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj.

Davido, who recently performed songs from his upcoming album 5ive in France, has amassed over 2 billion streams worldwide, elevating Afrobeats’ global appeal. His 2023 album Timeless earned a Grammy nomination, and his 2024 single Awuke topped African charts. The government highlighted his humanitarian efforts, including the Davido Adeleke Foundation, which donated ₦300 million to orphanages in 2024, and his role in youth empowerment programs.

President Tinubu, in a statement, called Davido “a cultural ambassador” whose work fosters national pride. Davido, visibly moved, dedicated the honor to his fans and promised to continue representing Nigeria. The recognition, amid Nigeria’s push to leverage soft power, has sparked discussions on supporting creative industries, with Davido urging investment in music infrastructure to nurture emerging talents.