Florence Otedola, the Nigerian disc jockey popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has made history after hosting an opening session at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Headquartered in New York, the UNGA is one of the six principal organs of the UN, serving as its main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ.
António Guterres, the secretary-general of the UN, convened the ‘Summit of the Future Action Days’ on September 21 and 22, 2024. The Action Days are an opportunity to elevate the voice of youth in the multilateral system.
Moderating the youth session, Cuppy emphasized the importance of engaging young people worldwide in meaningful conversations.
The entertainer said she is passionate about quality education — the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4).
Cuppy also highlighted her foundation’s efforts in funding education for underprivileged Africans.
“I am repping a country called Nigeria in case you have heard of it. I am a DJ, philanthropist, and more so, a moderator. But it feels like I am more your co-host because today is all about you. It is all about the youth and I am so honoured to be taking you on this journey today,” she said.
“Someone once told me it is not about you it is about your why are we here. We believe that youth need to be able to take action. We believe in leadership that brings everyone to the table. And that is why I am so proud to be here.
“My favourite SDG is definitely 4 — an opportunity for everyone to get quality education. And at my foundation, we are so proud because we provide hardship funds for African students.
“So throughout today, I would love you to get involved in the conversation, especially youth. What are your favourite SDGs? What do you have to say? What do you believe in? Do not forget to get involved. Because everything here has been specially curated for the youth at UN Youth Affairs. Do not forget to have your say.”
The entertainer also delivered a musical performance after her keynote session.
Reflecting on her role at the summit, Cuppy also acknowledged the intersection of preparation and divine guidance.
“Can’t believe I had the chance to open up the Summit of the Future and moderate at the United Nations General Assembly!” she wrote on Instagram.
“Even though I believe preparation meets opportunity, I KNOW it was really God speaking through me!”
Cuppy is also widely reported to be the first Nigerian to host an opening youth session at the UNGA.
The singer graduated from King’s College London in July 2014 with a degree in business and economics. She also earned a master’s degree in music business from New York University in 2015.
She was admitted to the University of Oxford, where she pursued a degree in African studies, graduating in 2022.
She recently announced that she had completed her fourth degree from the London School of Economics.
In 2014, Cuppy was the resident DJ at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Durban. That same year, she launched Red Velvet Music Group, a London-based music management and content production company.
In July 2018, the DJ launched the Cuppy Foundation. In November 2019, the foundation raised over N5 billion for the “Save the Children initiative” in Nigeria.
Cuppy has been honoured for her philanthropic initiatives. In 2021, she was named an ambassador for the Lagos SDGs Youth Alliance.
She recently launched a scholarship programme to support African students studying at New York University.
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