UYO, Nigeria (FN) — Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido drew massive crowds and glowing praise from top government officials during his visit to Akwa Ibom State over the weekend, in what many described as one of the biggest entertainment events the state has hosted in years.
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, arrived in Uyo for a courtesy call on Gov. Umo Eno and a concert that attracted thousands of fans from across the South-South region. The singer’s convoy was greeted by cheering crowds lining major streets, with police struggling to control the wave of excitement that followed his movements.
Gov. Eno described Davido as “a symbol of Nigerian creativity and global excellence,” praising him for uniting young people across class and culture. “Davido’s music has become a bridge between Nigeria and the world,” the governor said. “His visit reinforces our commitment to positioning Akwa Ibom as a tourism and entertainment hub.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who hails from the state, also hailed the singer’s visit as a boost to youth morale and national unity. In a statement released by his media office, Akpabio said Davido’s presence “shows the strength of Nigeria’s creative economy and the power of music to promote peace and progress.”
“I commend Davido for his humility and for recognizing the importance of cultural connection,” Akpabio said. “Nigeria’s entertainment industry is one of our strongest exports, and artists like him deserve institutional support.”
The visit also drew comments from entertainment stakeholders. Veteran music promoter Efe Omorogbe said Davido’s choice of Uyo “signals the decentralization of entertainment in Nigeria” and encourages states outside Lagos to invest in creative infrastructure.
Local residents described the event as historic. “We’ve never seen this kind of energy in Uyo,” said Iniobong Effiong, a business owner who closed his shop early to attend the concert. “Davido’s visit brought joy, business, and pride to our people.”
At the governor’s lodge, traditional dancers and cultural troupes entertained the star, while local officials presented him with symbolic gifts celebrating Akwa Ibom heritage.
Davido expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown to him and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting young Nigerian creatives. “Akwa Ibom has shown me love beyond words,” he said. “This state has the spirit of unity and peace that every artist needs to thrive.”
The night concluded with a sold-out concert at the Nest of Champions Stadium, where Davido performed hits including Feel, Unavailable, and Stand Strong. Fans sang along, turning the performance into a citywide celebration.
Police officials later confirmed that the event was peaceful, with no major security incidents reported.
