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By DEBORAH ENWEREM
Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has become the first African artiste to present the Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The Grammy-winning artiste presented the 2026 award to Arsenal forward and England international Bukayo Saka at the ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday.
The Socrates Award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and social development outside the sport.
Saka received the honour for his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that provides medical assistance to children in need.
His work with the organisation has supported life-changing medical procedures for children in Nigeria and other African countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Burna Boy discussed his football academy in Nigeria, which he said he established to support football development in the country.
He expressed hope that one of the academy’s players would one day receive recognition at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The award named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates, was established in 2022 to recognise humanitarian and social initiatives associated with footballers.
Burna Boy’s appearance marked a significant representation of African music on the international stage and highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in global entertainment and sports. (NAN)
