Nigerian music executive and talent manager, Ubi Franklin, has publicly expressed gratitude to Afrobeats superstar Davido Adeleke (popularly known as Davido) for including him in a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The visit, which attracted national attention, underscored Davido’s continued influence not just in the entertainment industry but also in national conversations around youth, culture, and development. Photos and video clips of the delegation’s warm reception at the Villa quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking conversations about the growing intersection of entertainment and governance in Nigeria.
In a statement shared via his official social media handles, Ubi Franklin described the moment as “a rare privilege” and thanked Davido for giving him the opportunity to be part of the historic visit.
“Davido just took me to the sitting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria… How many friends will do that for you? He understands the value of friendship.” Franklin wrote.
Franklin, who has managed several artists and played a role in shaping Nigeria’s contemporary music scene, added that the visit was a testament to the potential of the creative sector as a tool for national development. He emphasized that the entertainment industry, particularly the global rise of Afrobeats, has become one of Nigeria’s strongest cultural exports and deserves greater government support.
“This visit is not just about us; it represents the millions of Nigerian youths who look up to the creative industry for inspiration and livelihood. Afrobeats has put Nigeria on the world map, and with the right support, our music, fashion, film, and creative talents can continue to create jobs and foster national pride,” Franklin stated.
Davido, who has consistently used his platform to advocate for youth empowerment and social causes, has yet to release a formal statement about the visit. However, sources close to his camp revealed that the meeting with President Tinubu centered on exploring areas where the government can support the Nigerian entertainment industry, improve creative infrastructure, and enhance the welfare of artists.
The presence of Ubi Franklin in the delegation drew attention from both fans and industry watchers, many of whom commended his longstanding partnership with Davido. Franklin has been a visible ally of the DMW boss, often involved in his philanthropic activities and serving as a trusted associate.
Political commentators suggest that such visits may be part of a broader strategy by the Tinubu administration to engage with Nigeria’s youthful population through cultural influencers who command enormous followership at home and abroad.
As reactions continue to trail the development, Ubi Franklin has pledged to use the exposure from the Villa visit to further advocate for policies that uplift the Nigerian creative industry. “This is just the beginning,” he wrote, promising that he would continue to push conversations that link youth creativity with national growth.
The visit, while symbolic, has reinforced the role of Nigerian entertainers and stakeholders as bridges between government and the younger generation, a trend that may become more prominent in the coming years.
