Davido, the Nigerian Afro-pop star, says he would donate the N200 million received from his recent fundraiser to orphanages across the country.
Davido disclosed the development in a statement via his Instagram page on Saturday.
The music star also said he will be adding N50 million personally to the donated funds, making it a total of N250 million to be given to the orphanages.
According to him, the sum would be disbursed to cater for orphans and to support Paroche foundation, an orgnisation established to fight drug abuse.
In the statement, the โOBOโ crooner appreciated those who supported the initiative, saying he plans to hold the fundraiser annually to mark his birthday.
Davido said the gesture was informed by his desire to give back to the society.
โIn my usual playful manner, I requested a few days ago that my friends and colleagues send money in celebration of my birthday,โ he wrote.
โThe response and outcome exceeded my expectations, as I received about NGN 200,000,000.00 in less than two days. I truly appreciate everyone who donated hard-earned funds and I am very thankful for your generosity.
โI have always been passionate about giving back and helping people. In view of this, I am delighted to announce that all the funds received, totaling NGN 200,000.000.00, will be donated to orphanages across Nigeria as well as the Paroche foundation. In addition.
โI will be making a personal donation of NGN 50,000,000.00, bringing the total amount to NGN 250,000,000.00.โ
The singer also announced a five-member committee to oversee the distribution of the donated funds to beneficiaries.
They include Titi Adebayo, who is the chairman of the committee, and Jonathan Nwosu, the secretary.
Other members are โYahana Joel Asabe of the northern Nigeria Seventh Day Adventist union conference, Pastor (Dr) Oyalabu of Spring Time Development Foundation (SDF) and Professor Uloma Onuoha.โ
โThe 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,โ it added.
โThe committee will also determine the portion of the money that will be donated to Paroche foundation.
โTo maintain transparency, the committee will make public the names of the beneficiary orphanages and how much each will receive, a list of all beneficiaries and their verified account details will be submitted to Wema Bank, who will then be instructed to credit each beneficiaryโs account.
โMy 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 public will continue to support me as I drive this cause.โ
Davido had earlier hinted that he might give all the earnings from the fundraiser away.
The musician had also initially told his friends that the funds were meant for the clearance of his Rolls Royce vehicle at the ports.
In a related development, Davido, the Nigerian Afro-pop star, says he will be dropping a new song on Friday night ahead of his birthday on Sunday.
The singer announced the upcoming song on Thursday night โ at about the same time when he called on his friends to donate for the clearance of his Rolls Royce vehicle at the ports.
โNew music at midnight W.A.T,โ the singer wrote.
The new track is coming as friends of the โDami Duroโ crooner have so far donated nearly N185 million in two days, with more still trickling in.
Those who have contributed to the fundraiser include Akin Alabi, Patoranking, Femi Otedola, Dorathy Bachor, and Don Jazzy, Chike, Nengi Hampson, Adekunle Gold, Peruzzi, Teni, Naira Marley, MI, Ubi Franklin, Syndey Talker, Eniola Badmus, Charles of Play, Obi Cubana and Phyno.
Others are Oba Saheed Adenuga Elegushi, Focalistic, Rema, Ckay, Toke Makinwa, Larry Gaga, Tunde Ednut, Pasuma, Cubana Chief Priest, and Bella Shmurda.
Davido rose to fame in 2012 after releasing โDami Duroโ, the second track of his debut album โOmo Baba Olowoโ.
Between 2013 and 2015, he released a number of hits and signed a record deal with Sony Music in January 2016.
The hitmaker would later establish the record label DMW which is home to artistes like Dremo, Mayorkun, and Peruzzi.
In July 2016, Davido signed a record deal with Sonyโs RCA Records, releasing the five-track EP โSon of Mercyโ.
Davido re-negotiated his contract with Sony in 2017, releasing five singles including the chart-topping โIfโ and โFallโ.
He released his second album โA Good Timeโ in 2019, supported by hit singles including โBlow My Mindโ.
The singer later followed this up with the release of his third studio album โA Better Timeโ in November 2020.
