Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, defended her earlier comments on small scale businesses on Monday. She spoke during an event in Kogi State.
Tinubu addressed criticism over her suggestion that starting an akara business does not require much capital. She clarified that her empowerment initiative supported more than akara sellers. “It is not only akara,” she said. “We also have tomato sellers, those selling pepper, vegetables and others in the market.”
She added that the Renewed Hope Initiative provided grants, not loans, to help traders sustain their work. Tinubu noted that beneficiaries appreciated the support.
She highlighted success stories, including a graduate in Abuja who began selling akara after struggling to find formal employment. The graduate now employs 12 workers after receiving assistance from her office.
Tinubu then turned her attention to wealthy Nigerians and entertainers. She appealed to musicians Davido, Burna Boy and Asake to establish foundations that fund the poor. “Government cannot do it all,” she stated. She urged them to join efforts that ease the burden on public resources.
Her remarks came after a viral clip sparked widespread debate on social media. Many Nigerians questioned the feasibility of such businesses amid high inflation and rising food costs.
Tinubu maintained that small trades like selling pepper, vegetables, akara and kuli-kuli carried dignity. She said the programmes aimed to empower women and young people at the grassroots level.
The First Lady also recalled past donations from her office. These included funds for tuberculosis, breast cancer and malnutrition programmes. She stressed that her team continued to add resources to make trades sustainable.
Observers noted that the defense followed intense public reactions. Tinubu encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope. She positioned the initiatives as practical steps within available means. The event in Kogi State drew attention to ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope agenda.
