TheCable

BudgIT and Connected Development (CODE) have unveiled Ladipoe, the Nigerian rapper, as cultural influencer for their COVID-19 transparency and accountability project (CTAP).

The Mavin Records artiste, born Ladipo Eso, signed the partnership deal with the two civil society organisations (CSOs) in Lagos on Monday. 

CTAP is a health accountability project initiated by BudgIT and CODE to promote transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector.

It is aimed at fostering more engagement on conversations around health-related issues among young people.

Speaking at the event, Ladipoe said the partnership will enable him and others to hold the government accountable on healthcare issues.

“I feel like there is a side of me that a lot of people are yet to see is the fact that prior to signing to Mavin Records, I used to have a job to fund my music aspirations,” he said.

“A lot of what I was doing at that time was in the healthcare sector. I went to school to study biology and chemistry because I wanted to be a doctor.

“I shocked my parents four years later when I said I wanted to go into music.” 

On his part, Oluseun Onigbinde, global director of BudgIT, said the partnership will further drive the conversation on the need for more investment in the healthcare sector.

“We are delighted to join forces with Ladipoe and Mavin Records on the CTAP health accountability project,” he said.

“Ladipoe’s musical prowess and ability to resonate with the younger population will assist us in bridging the gap between healthcare accountability and Nigerian youth concerns. 

“We believe this partnership will cultivate a greater sense of ownership and drive positive change in the healthcare sector.” 

Also speaking, Hamzat Lawal, chief executive officer (CEO) of CODE, said the partnership was informed by the believe that the entertainment can be deployed as a tool to advocate for more funding for healthcare.

Lawal, who was represented by Kingsley Agu, community engagement director of CODE, added that the initiative will “shape the future of Nigeria’s healthcare”.

“BudgIT and CODE are thrilled to have Ladipoe on board as the cultural influencer for the CTAP health accountability project,” he said. 

“Our aim of empowering citizens to demand better healthcare services perfectly align with Ladipoe’s unique blend of music and advocacy. 

“Through this partnership, we hope to encourage young Nigerians to actively participate in shaping the future of healthcare in our nation.”