British-Nigerian rapper, Skepta, has joined other Nigerian celebrities in calling for improvement and change, highlighting the growing hardship, insecurity, and economic challenges facing the country.
Over the last few months, Nigerians have complained about the high cost of living and rising insecurity in the country. The conversations grew louder following the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted by terrorists, with one of the teachers later killed. The attack sparked outrage across the country and led many public figures to speak up about the state of the nation.
Even Children’s Day on May 27 was overshadowed by sadness, as many Nigerians could not fully celebrate knowing that some of the children who should have been marking the occasion were instead being held captive by kidnappers, facing uncertainty and suffering.
Using his official X account, Skepta called out President Tinubu over what he described as incompetence. “How much suffering is enough? @officialABAT,“ he wrote.
The rapper also encouraged Nigerian youths not to give up despite the challenges confronting the nation. “Nigerians are smart, skillful, teachers, artists, scientists and much more. The future is in the hands of the youth, don’t stop pushing!”
After a critic suggested he was only speaking out because he is from Oyo State and not because he genuinely cares about Nigeria, Skepta responded:
“I am a British, Nigerian yes but I’ve always cared about Nigeria and anybody that has followed my career can vouch for that. I have houses in Nigeria, I want to take my kids home to a safe country just like we travel the rest of the world. Why should I not speak up about what is happening in my homeland?”
Afrobeats superstar Davido also expressed his heartbreak over the situation in the country, particularly following reports of the kidnapping incident. “I’m weak, God pls take control we can’t continue like this ….. my heart goes out to the victims and family .. this is messed up.”
The singer further admitted that entertainers in Nigeria, including himself, have not done enough to use their voices to address the country’s problems. “I can’t lie we entertainers . we Dey fuckup I won’t lie including me … we need to speak up … it’s too much injustice goin on . our country don go,” he wrote
Mavo also reacted to the state of affairs in the country, criticising those in power and revealing how wicked the people in power are. “The wickedness of our government is underrated.”
Other celebrities, including Kie Kie, Kunle Remi, Spyro, Bam Bam, Toyin Abraham, Ruth Kadiri and other celebrities have also spoken up about the economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians.
KieKie also shared her concern over the kidnapped children, posting a video on Children’s Day about how the situation overshadowed the celebrations. She said, “It is Children’s Day, but the children are not here! I pray that my next post about this will be of their release.”
In an emotional video message from Bam Bam, she questioned the solution to Nigeria’s growing challenges, saying that despite cries, prayers, and calls for help, the pain continues. She highlighted rising cases of kidnappings, loss, cancer, grief, and fear, and said it feels like people are surviving one tragedy after another.
She also questioned the government’s response, asking how many more people must go missing before security and healthcare are taken seriously. She urged people to value their loved ones, do regular health checkups, and take their health seriously. She ended by saying Nigerians deserve better security, healthcare, leadership, and humanity, and prayed for kidnapped victims to return safely and for national unity.
Ruth Kadiri pleaded directly with President Tinubu to help Nigerians and improve their living conditions. Some even questioned whether citizens should be given the go-ahead to protect their lives and properties if the government is unable to guarantee their safety.
Toyin Abraham also expressed deep sadness over the rising killings and abductions in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria, following recent attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where pupils, students, and teachers were kidnapped from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School in Esin Ele. In a heartfelt social media post, she said her “heart is deeply heavy” over the situation and mourned with families affected by the violence, stressing that no Nigerian should live in fear or have to send their children to school with anxiety about safety.
She questioned what the state government is doing to prevent further attacks, while also calling for unity, compassion, and urgent action to address insecurity in the country, adding that violence should never become normal and praying for comfort for grieving families and protection for innocent lives.
Their concerns echo the frustrations of many Nigerians who continue to grapple with rising food prices, high transportation costs, economic hardship, unemployment, and growing insecurity across different parts of the country.
As President Tinubu marks three years in office, many celebrities are sending a clear message: Nigerians want more than promises. They want real action, better security, relief from economic struggles, and a country where people can live, work, and raise their families safely.
