Michael Chikwudi
His fans worldwide call him DAVIDO. He calls himself ‘Omo baba olowo’ (child of a rich man) which is also the title of his debut album some few years ago. However, today we are not interested in what they call him or what he calls himself; after all didn’t they say ‘what is in a name’?
Rather, this piece is all about the wave he is making on account of his decision to participate in the mandatory one year National Youth Service, which the likes of the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, reportedly dodged and has not only kept mute on how she got the exemption certificate she flaunts around but has also found an active supporter in Professor Itse sagay.
Well enough said on that issue; Davido with his hard earned wealth and popularity has submitted himself to the service and has been earning applause and in the process, encouraging many youths to serve their fatherland by that singular act.
Davido first stired the hornet nest when he posted his picture decked in the NYSC uniform right on top of one of his many automobiles. That was when the debate on cyberspace started; while some commended him for taking that honourable path, some sought to know which part of the state he was posted to while others want to know if he will spend the four weeks orientation in the orientation camp. In fact, they said he was on publicity stunt.
Read also: Ogun APC primaries: Yewa desperate moves
That was the debate his fans and non fans alike were engaged in, in the social media until he threw another bombshell which answered all the questions they asked. The post, also a picture, showed him performing to fellow Corpers, who probably may not have seen him performed, at the popular Lagos State orientation camp somewhere in Agege. That was enough to ignite the fire of debate for and against for the young man who graduated from one of the private universities in Nigeria, Babcock University, somewhere in Ogun State and whose uncle, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, is nursing the ambition of becoming the governor of Osun State, even with an F9 parallel school certificate. That again, is not the focus of this article.
While some people are tempted to say ‘what the hell if Davido is participating in the mandatory one year service for his fatherland, after all, others like Kris Okotie, Jide Obi claimed to have done so in their youthful days’, others say he is doing that to avoid disgrace/embarrassment in future when he seeks appointive or elective office. Whatever be the motive, the fact remains that he is serving his fatherland.
Whatever might be his motive for coming down from his high horse of fame to serve, we at www. newdawn, appreciate the young man’s decision to give his talent and time to his fatherland when others like him would have relocated elsewhere to escape the suffering in the land.
Bravo, Davido omo baba olowo!
