First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has ignited a firestorm of criticism after suggesting that Nigerians struggling with economic hardship should consider starting small-scale businesses like selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli. The remarks, made during the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with state governors’ wives at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, were intended to highlight the administration’s support for small businesses through grants rather than loans. She stated that starting such businesses does not require much capital and that beneficiaries were given grants to help them get started without the burden of repayment .
Her comments quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp backlash from Nigerians who accused the First Lady of being disconnected from the severe economic realities facing ordinary citizens. Many argued that her advice trivialized the widespread suffering caused by soaring fuel prices, inflation, and unemployment . One X user described the statement as an outright insult, while another said it was clear the government lacked a vision for young Nigerians to be innovators and engineers . Policy expert Sam Amadi also criticized the remarks, suggesting they reflected political calculation rather than sound governance, and warned that such thinking would keep the nation stagnant .
Despite the heavy criticism, some voices came to the First Lady’s defense, arguing that there is dignity in labour and that the akara business is a lucrative venture that has sent many children to university and built homes for families . They maintained that the criticism was unfair and that such trades are a respectable means of livelihood. One commentator captured the nuanced sentiment by noting that the issue was not the businesses themselves but the timing and the perception that the government does not understand the depth of the people’s struggles .
Abuja Network News
Tags
News