Davido has defended his decision to highlight the plight of abducted schoolchildren from Oyo State during a World Cup-related performance, insisting that national image concerns cannot overshadow the suffering of innocent victims.
The Afrobeats artist wore a jacket emblazoned with “Bring Them Home” and the names of the 46 abducted pupils and teachers while performing at the FIFA 2026 World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles. He faced criticism but stood firm in an interview with BBC’s Focus on Africa.
“A lot of people do not want to talk about what goes on in my country simply you want to protect the image. But there is no image to protect if little kids are being kidnapped,” Davido said.
He emphasised the responsibility of public figures to use their platforms for social good. “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,” he added. “My power is in music, performances… I use my platform to project what’s really going on.”
The abduction has sparked outrage in Nigeria, with calls for urgent action to secure the release of the victims from gunmen who seized them in Oriire Local Government Area.
