Florence Otedola, widely known as DJ Cuppy and daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, recently etched her name in history by becoming the first British-Nigerian to host an opening session at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Renowned as a DJ, philanthropist, and founder of the Cuppy Foundation, she moderated the session titled “The Summit of the Future – Youth Actions Day,” marking a significant milestone in her career.
Cuppy’s participation symbolized the recognition of the vital role young people, particularly from Africa, play on the global stage. With her unique blend of charm and passion for youth advocacy, she captivated the audience during her keynote address. “My name is Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, but you can call me Cuppy. I’m here representing Nigeria,” she said, proudly acknowledging her heritage.
Throughout the session, Cuppy emphasized the importance of empowering youth to take action, stating, “I’m a DJ and philanthropist, but today I’m also your moderator—really, I feel like I’m more your co-host because today is all about you.” She highlighted the necessity of collective action in addressing the challenges outlined by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advocating for inclusive leadership that brings everyone to the table.
A standout moment of her speech focused on education, linking her favorite SDG—Goal 4, which promotes quality education for all—to her foundation’s efforts. “My favorite SDG is definitely number 4: ensuring that everyone has access to quality education,” Cuppy said, detailing how her foundation provides scholarships to African students to help them pursue higher education.
In a playful remark, she hinted at her future aspirations, suggesting she might one day become Nigeria’s first female president. This bold statement resonated with attendees and reinforced her status as a role model for young women globally.
Later in the day, during the closing session, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed responded to Cuppy’s ambitions, saying, “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 highlighted the urgent actions needed to achieve the SDGs by 2030. With youth representing a significant portion of the global population, their engagement is crucial in tackling challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality. Cuppy’s role as moderator underscored the critical importance of youth participation in shaping global policy and emphasized the growing influence of young leaders, particularly from Africa.
