Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly called Davido, has emphasised the critical role of effective leadership in propelling Nigeria to greater heights.
Speaking in an interview with Elevate Africa published on Thursday via YouTube, the global sensation shared his thoughts on the resilience of Nigerians and the potential for the nation to achieve unprecedented growth if led by the right people.
“We can’t go forward without…We need the best leaders now first; that’s the most important thing,” Davido said.
He stated that, while Nigerians are remarkably adaptable and determined, the lack of visionary leadership has hampered the country’s progress.
Answering the question, “Where do you think Africa should be by now, and how do we get there through music?” Davido reflected on the tenacity of Nigerians, highlighting their ability to thrive in challenging environments.
“I tell people, I say if you can survive in Lagos, or you can survive in Nigeria, rather, you can survive anywhere. I feel like we’re survivors; we’re strong-willed people,” he remarked.
Amid the struggles faced by many, the “Unavailable” crooner pointed to the global presence of Nigerians as evidence of their resilience and influence.
“Nigeria, if you go anywhere in the world, everybody has Nigerian friends. Whether you’re Chinese or… you have Nigerian friends everywhere in the world. I fly to do shows; Nigerian restaurants are there, and Nigerian communities are there. It just shows that we’re a force,” he said.
According to him, this widespread influence underscores Nigeria’s potential to lead on a global scale. However, he believes the missing piece remains effective governance.
“I just feel the only thing that is just missing is just the right leaders to lead us. Once we get that right, I don’t think there’s anything that will stop us,” he stated.