Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, known as Davido, has revealed that his father, billionaire businessman Adedeji Adeleke, generates approximately 18% of Nigeria's total electricity. In a video circulating online, Davido explained how the family's power generation business works and shared insights into his father's rise to wealth.
Davido explains the power business model
“Every time you put on light, he gets a check,” Davido said, describing how his father's company generates electricity and sells it directly to the Nigerian government. The government then handles distribution to end users. “We generate it and sell the power to the government because the government has the authority to distribute. It's not on us. All we're doing is generating and providing,” he added.
According to Davido, the Adeleke power business currently supplies about 18% of Nigeria's electricity, with plans to expand and eventually supply 35% of West Africa's power needs. If accurate, this would make the company one of the most significant private contributors to Nigeria's unstable electricity grid.
Father's early success and background
Davido also mentioned that his father made his first million at age 23, a fact the family often discusses. Adedeji Adeleke, a Harvard-educated businessman, has interests in music, hospitality, and energy. He is also the brother of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
During the interview, Davido contrasted living conditions in Nigeria with those in the United States, where he holds dual citizenship. “Compared to America, you can't even compare the benefits. You go to the hospital, you have insurance, get taken care of. Back home, everything is cash and carry,” he said, touching on healthcare access and infrastructure challenges.
