NEWS UPDATE: REMI TINUBU SPARKS DEBATE AFTER URGING NIGERIANS TO START AKARA, CORN BUSINESSES

REMI TINUBU SPARKS DEBATE AFTER URGING NIGERIANS TO START AKARA, CORN BUSINESSES

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has triggered widespread reactions on social media after encouraging Nigerians facing economic hardship to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli as a way to generate income.

The remarks have generated mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians criticizing the statement as disconnected from the country’s current economic realities, while others defended the message as practical advice promoting entrepreneurship.

Senator Tinubu made the comments while speaking to State House correspondents following the Renewed Hope Initiative’s second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

During the briefing, she highlighted ongoing intervention programmes designed to support vulnerable Nigerians through grants and empowerment initiatives.

According to the First Lady, beneficiaries under the initiative receive grants rather than loans, allowing them to start small businesses without repayment pressure.

She explained that businesses such as akara frying, roasted corn sales, and kuli-kuli production require relatively low startup capital and can serve as income-generating opportunities for many households.

The First Lady said the broader initiative is aimed at giving Nigerians hope while providing direct support to individuals struggling economically.

She also disclosed that the programme has extended support to healthcare, education, agriculture, and social investment sectors.

According to her, the initiative has committed significant funding toward public health interventions, including ₦2 billion to tackle tuberculosis, ₦1 billion for breast cancer intervention programmes, and ₦500 million to address malnutrition challenges.

She further noted that scholarships, ICT training programmes, agricultural support, and social empowerment schemes have also been implemented under the initiative.

Senator Tinubu urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite ongoing economic difficulties, stressing that the administration remains focused on delivering the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

However, shortly after the video of her remarks circulated online, several Nigerians reacted critically on social media platforms.

Some users argued that the comments appeared to downplay the severity of the country’s economic challenges, saying citizens are demanding broader economic reforms, job creation, and improved living conditions rather than advice centered on micro-business survival.

Others described the statement as evidence of a disconnect between political leadership and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians amid rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures.

At the same time, some Nigerians defended the First Lady, arguing that there is dignity in small businesses and that local enterprises such as akara and roasted corn sales have historically helped many families sustain livelihoods and finance education.

Supporters also noted that entrepreneurship at small scale remains an important source of income for many Nigerians, especially during periods of economic difficulty.

The conversation has since developed into a broader public debate around economic hardship, government intervention strategies, and expectations from public officials regarding communication on national economic challenges.

The reactions reflect the growing sensitivity surrounding economic discussions as Nigerians continue to grapple with inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs across the country.