Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has responded to critics of her controversial remarks on empowering women through small-scale businesses, insisting that there is dignity in petty trading and calling on wealthy entertainers to channel part of their fortunes towards helping the poor.
Speaking on Saturday at the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State, the First Lady defended her earlier comments that encouraged women to venture into businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli.
The remarks had sparked widespread criticism in June, with many Nigerians arguing that they failed to address the country's deepening economic hardship and rising unemployment. The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmọ́ Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, was among those who condemned the comments, describing them as insensitive to the realities faced by millions of women.
Undeterred by the backlash, Tinubu maintained that the Renewed Hope Initiative was focused on empowering low-income earners and creating sustainable livelihoods at the grassroots.
"There are pepper sellers, there are vegetable sellers, there are okra sellers, melon sellers, and akara sellers. Akara is delicious, I can tell you that," she said.
The First Lady argued that supporting petty traders could significantly improve household incomes while reducing pressure on the government.
Remi Tinubu Calls Out Burna Boy, Davido, Asake
Beyond defending her empowerment programme, Tinubu appealed to Nigeria's biggest music stars to establish charitable foundations and support vulnerable Nigerians with part of their wealth.
Using Senegalese-American music star Akon as an example, she urged entertainers including Burna Boy, Davido and Asake to invest in philanthropy.
"I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry. I have mentioned it before, and I will use Akon, a music icon who does a lot of great charity work.
"They make the Burna Boys of this world, the Asakes, all of them, Davido, we want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money."
She added that while there was nothing wrong with owning luxury vehicles, celebrities should also remember those in need.
"Good cars are good, a Maybach is good, a Rolls-Royce is good, but still, you can help," she said.
Graduate Who Built Akara Business
To reinforce her argument, Tinubu recounted the story of an unemployed graduate in Abuja who reportedly turned to frying akara after failing to secure formal employment.
According to her, after receiving support, the businessman expanded his operations and now employs 12 workers.
"There was once I read an article about a young graduate who said he didn't get a job, and he said he sells akara because he couldn't get a job. He's in Abuja.
"We approached him, I didn't put my name to it, and we equipped him more. He now has 12 workers working under him, and he's doing very, very well."
She said the success story demonstrates that small businesses should not be looked down upon, as they can grow into thriving enterprises capable of creating jobs.
Controversy Refuses to Fade
The First Lady's defence comes weeks after her earlier comments generated heated debate across the country, with critics accusing the government of promoting petty trading instead of addressing unemployment and the high cost of living.
The controversy even prompted President Bola Tinubu to jokingly refer to his wife as "Iya Alakara" during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja.
Despite the backlash, Oluremi Tinubu has continued to champion the empowerment initiative. During a visit to Jigawa State in June, she distributed ₦50,000 grants to 2,000 petty traders, insisting that public criticism would not stop the programme.