First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has addressed the widespread criticism following her recent remarks on small-scale entrepreneurship, clarifying that the Federal Government’s empowerment programmes are broad in scope.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, the First Lady emphasized that support is targeted at a variety of small-scale traders, not just those selling “akara.”
Her comments come in response to backlash from Nigerians who, following a video shared on social media, accused her of trivializing the country’s economic hardship by suggesting businesses such as selling “akara,” roasted corn, and “kuli-kuli.”
During the event in Jigawa, the First Lady sought to reframe the discussion, stating, “Because of the atmosphere, what is going on, I’ve told Her Excellency that we’ve already given, donated about 100 million to her to use to empower 2,000 petty traders. And I know they’ve been talking that I said akara. It’s not only akara, we also have tomato sellers. We have boole, and those also selling pepper, selling vegetables for us in the market.”
Senator Tinubu explained that the government is providing each of the 2,000 identified beneficiaries with N50,000 to recapitalize their businesses.
She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to these empowerment initiatives, noting, “We will continue to empower them and add to their resources so that their trade can really be sustainable. So that is what we are doing.”
Addressing the negative public reaction, the First Lady asserted that she would not be discouraged from continuing these efforts.
“I know all those people who are affected, they do appreciate it. And we are not intimidated by all those wrong reports. But we are forging ahead and making sure that our people, you know, are well cared for,” Mrs. Tinubu said.
Beyond immediate economic empowerment, the First Lady encouraged young Nigerians to explore the nation’s vast untapped potential.
Citing a recent visit to an orange orchard in Benue State, she expressed hope that youth would look beyond the oil sector.
“Nigeria is a really blessed country. I’ve been travelling, and I pray that our young people will see the resources we have in this nation. We have not even gone to explore yet because we are thinking it’s oil. But there are so many things,” she concluded.
