Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has responded to criticism over her recent advice encouraging unemployed women to consider small-scale businesses, insisting that her office remains committed to supporting petty traders across the country.
Her remarks come days after a video of her suggesting that unemployed women could earn a living by frying and selling akara (bean cakes) sparked heated debate on social media.
While some Nigerians viewed the advice as practical encouragement for entrepreneurship, others criticized it as being disconnected from the country’s economic realities and the challenges facing millions of unemployed citizens.
Remi Tinubu defends empowerment programme
Addressing the controversy during an event in Jigawa State on Monday, the First Lady clarified that her intervention is not limited to women who sell akara.
“We’ve donated 100 million to help petty traders and I know people have been talking that I said Akara, but it’s not only Akara, we also have Booli sellers, tomato sellers, vegetable sellers and pepper sellers too, we’ll continue to empower them”
First Lady responds to critics… pic.twitter.com/s3qBBNUAQz
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According to her, the initiative is designed to support people engaged in various forms of small businesses, including food vendors and market traders, as part of efforts to improve livelihoods at the grassroots level.
“I heard people talking about akara sellers. It is not only akara sellers. We are also supporting tomato sellers, maize sellers, vegetable sellers, and many other petty traders,” she said.
She explained that the program targets individuals already engaged in small-scale businesses, helping them grow and become more financially stable.
‘We’re not intimidated by criticism’
Responding to the backlash, Remi Tinubu said negative reactions would not discourage her office from continuing its empowerment initiatives.
According to her, the beneficiaries of the program understand its purpose and appreciate the support they have received.
“I know the beneficiaries appreciate it, and we’re not intimidated by the wrong reports. We will continue to make sure that we care for our people,” she added.
Akara comment sparked nationwide debate
The First Lady’s initial remarks quickly went viral after she encouraged unemployed women to consider selling akara to earn income.
The statement sparked widespread reactions online, with critics arguing that Nigerians expect broader economic solutions that create sustainable jobs rather than encouraging subsistence trading.
Others, however, defended her comments, noting that many successful entrepreneurs started with small businesses and gradually expanded over time.
Focus remains on grassroots businesses
Remi Tinubu’s latest clarification suggests the initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen micro-enterprises rather than focusing solely on a single trade.
By highlighting support for tomato sellers, maize vendors, vegetable traders and other small business owners, the First Lady sought to reinforce the message that her office intends to empower grassroots entrepreneurs across different sectors.
Despite the criticism of her initial comments, she maintained that the program will continue, insisting that supporting ordinary Nigerians remains one of her office’s priorities.
