First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu replied to critics on Tuesday and defended the Federal Government’s support for small-scale women traders. She stated that the programme extended beyond akara sellers to include many other petty traders.
Social media users reacted strongly after Senator Oluremi Tinubu advised women that starting an akara business required little capital. The comments came during discussions on the Renewed Hope Initiative grants.
Many Nigerians highlighted high food inflation and rising costs of ingredients like beans and oil. Critics argued that such businesses faced tough survival conditions in the current economy.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu addressed the backlash directly. She explained that the initiative supported tomato sellers, pepper sellers, vegetable sellers, maize sellers, and roasted plantain vendors among others.
The First Lady added that her office had disbursed funds to expand these trades and make them sustainable. Each beneficiary received 50,000 naira as a grant to boost their capital.
The programme already empowered thousands of women across states. In one recent effort, authorities donated 100 million naira to support 2,000 petty traders in Jigawa State.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu noted that the grants formed part of broader efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She stressed that the goal remained to reduce poverty and promote financial independence for women at the grassroots.
The First Lady declared that criticism would not stop the empowerment drive. She said the initiative continued to target women in markets nationwide. Senator Oluremi Tinubu reaffirmed that her team would add resources to help traders grow their businesses.
Officials described the programme as a direct response to economic challenges faced by petty traders. Supporters praised the grants while debates persisted online about their long-term impact.
The Renewed Hope Initiative proceeded with further disbursements in coming weeks.
