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Nigeria’s afrobeats star and global icon, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has used the FIFA World Cup countdown concert on Wednesday to draw global attention to the plight of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The jacket featured green circular buttons carrying the names of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Names of those still in captivity were written in white, while the names of victims who lost their lives were displayed in red.
Ahead of his performance, the singer appeared in a customised black leather jacket inscribed with the names of victims of the abduction incident, a gesture that drew attention to the tragedy and honoured those affected.
Davido also wore a white T-shirt with “NIGERIA” printed across the front, while the words “BRING THEM HOME” appeared boldly on the back of the jacket.
In remarks before taking the stage, the singer expressed concern over the continued captivity of the victims and called for urgent action.
Davido said: “Peace and love everywhere. May God be with the families of the abducted and the ones who have been killed.”
He added: “They still haven’t been rescued; we’re praying to God every day.
“We’re also praying to God that the government hastens, and you know… My country is going through a lot. We represent everywhere we go.”
Details of the abducted teacher are: Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Principal, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; Mr. Ojo Jonathan, Vice Principal; Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus, teacher; Mr. John Olaleye, teacher; Mr. Michael Oyedokun, teacher; Mrs. Oladeji, teacher; Mary Akanbi, teacher, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School and Rashida Tajudeen, 11 years.
Others abducted includes Ahmed Ramoni (8); Abdulsalam Toyib (4) Baraka Abioye (16); Fatimo Jimoh (15); Hassan Azeez (14); Joshua Adeleke (13); Samuel Oyedele (7); Emmanuel Oyedele Idowu Taiwo (4); Christianah Akanbi (2); Juwon Sunday ( 7); Sikiru Salami (3); Soliu Salami (4); and Ojo Joseph (8).
Others are Lydia Adewole (8); Testimony Jacob (5); Kehinde Kaosara (7); Sewa Seyi (7); Waliya Bello (4); Lydia Olohunloluwa (7); Damilare Oderinde (8); Deborah Adebowale (5) Aisha Oguntowo (10); Lege Taiwo (12); Balkis Ayanwale (8); Asa David (10) years
Also from the Oniya community are Shuaibu Aliyu (10); Ahmed Aliyu (7); Muiz Aliyu (5); Jomiloju Ogunlola (6); Agune Noah (8); Elizabeth Abadi (5); Tosin Abadi (9); Pius Stephen (5); years Hannah Ojo (14); Habidat Ayanwale (7); Mary Gabriel (6), and Jacob Gabriel.
The performance transformed what was expected to be a routine pre-tournament appearance into a public appeal for the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The FIFA World Cup countdown concert is one of the major events leading to the 2026 tournament and brings together performers from different parts of the world.
Davido was billed as one of the headline acts at the event in the United States, further strengthening his profile as one of Africa’s leading music exports.
His appearance comes shortly after the announcement that he is among the artists featured on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup soundtrack album.
Fellow Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Rema and Ayra Starr are also part of the project, which will accompany the tournament build-up and celebrations.
