DJ Cuppy Makes History as the First British-Nigerian to Host the United Nations Assembly, where she declared, “I want to be the First Female President of Nigeria”.
Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy and the daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, recently made history by becoming the first British-Nigerian to host an opening session at the prestigious United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
DJ Cuppy, a globally renowned DJ, philanthropist, and founder of the Cuppy Foundation, served as the moderator for the session titled “The Summit of the Future – Youth Actions Day,” marking a significant milestone in her already impressive career.
As the first British-Nigerian to ever hold such a role at the Assembly, Cuppy’s presence at the event symbolized the recognition of the important role young people, particularly from Africa, play on the global stage. In her keynote session, which had skillfully captured the attention of the audience, with a blend of her charm, wit, and passion for youth advocacy.
Her beginning address was a tremendous acknowledgment of her Nigerian heritage and her global influence. “My name is Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, but you can call me Cuppy. I’m representing a country called Nigeria, in case you’ve heard of it,” she said.
During the session, Cuppy made it clear that her focus was on empowering young people to take action, a message that resonated strongly with the audience. “I’m a DJ and philanthropist, but today I’m also your moderator,” she told the attendees. “Actually, it feels like I’m more your co-host because today is about you – it’s all about you.”
Cuppy emphasized the importance of collective action, especially in addressing the challenges highlighted by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She expressed her belief in leadership that brings everyone to the table, a vision that aligns closely with her philanthropic work through the Cuppy Foundation.
One of the standout moments of her speech was when she shared her passion for education, linking it to her favorite SDG: Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all. “My favorite SDG is definitely number 4: ensuring that everyone has access to quality education,” Cuppy said.
She also explained how her foundation actively contributes to this goal by providing scholarships to African students, ensuring that more young people have the opportunity to pursue higher education and realize th
In a playful twist, Cuppy hinted at her future ambitions, casually suggesting that she might one day become Nigeria’s first female president. This bold statement stirred the imagination of those in attendance, which further amplified her status as a role model for young women not only in Nigeria but around the world.
Later in the day, during the closing session, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, responded to Cuppy’s comment. Addressing Cuppy directly, Mohammed said, “You told me you wanted to be Nigeria’s first female president, and what did I say? After me!”
The 2024 UNGA Summit of the Future brought significant attention to the actions required to meet the SDGs by 2030. With young people representing a large proportion of the global population, their involvement is seen as vital to overcoming obstacles such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
Cuppy’s role as the moderator of the Youth Actions Day further underscored the critical importance of youth participation in these efforts. Her presence at the Assembly was not only a recognition of her influence as a global figure but also a reflection of the increasing role young people, especially from the African continent, play in shaping the future of global policy.
Beyond her role at the United Nations, DJ Cuppy is also known for her academic accomplishments and dedication to education. She began her academic journey in 2014, earning a degree in business and economics from King’s College London. She then pursued her passion for the music industry, obtaining a master’s degree in Music Business from New York University in 2015. Her academic pursuits didn’t stop there; in 2022, Cuppy completed a second master’s degree in African Studies from the University of Oxford.
In March 2023, she announced another academic achievement, having completed a third master’s program at Oxford, cementing her reputation as a scholar and a role model for lifelong learning. Recently, Cuppy revealed via her social media channels that she had returned to school once again, this time pursuing her fourth academic degree at the London School of Economics.
Her dedication to education, both in her personal life and through her philanthropic work, highlights her commitment to the belief that access to knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for driving change.
In addition to her academic and philanthropic pursuits, DJ Cuppy has also made significant strides in the music industry, becoming one of Africa’s most prominent DJs and a global ambassador for Afrobeat music. She has used her platform to promote African culture and to inspire young people to embrace their heritage while striving for excellence in whatever field they choose.
Cuppy’s achievements whether through her music, her foundation, or her role as a speaker at one of the world’s most important gatherings, shows her dedication and interest to break barriers and inspire young people around the world to take action and shape a brighter future for all.
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