Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has sparked widespread reactions on social media after encouraging Nigerians to explore small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli, describing them as ventures that require minimal capital to establish.
Speaking after the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with wives of state governors at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, the First Lady explained that the initiative was designed to empower vulnerable Nigerians through grants rather than loans.
A video of her remarks was shared on Friday by News Channel 247.
According to her, beneficiaries of the programme received financial grants to enable them to start small businesses without the burden of repayment.
"We're trying to give hope, and to start an akara business doesn't take a lot of money. Roasting corn or even making kuli-kuli also requires very little capital. We didn't give them loans; we gave them grants.
"So we've encouraged Nigerians as much as we can. Whatever is within our capacity, I have continued to give and will keep giving," she said.
The First Lady noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative has extended support beyond entrepreneurship, with interventions covering healthcare, agriculture, education and social investment programmes.
She disclosed that she personally donated N2 billion towards the fight against tuberculosis, N1 billion for breast cancer intervention, and N500 million to combat malnutrition.
"I remember donating for tuberculosis when I learnt of the increasing number of cases. I gave N2 billion. I also gave N1 billion for breast cancer and N500 million to address food malnutrition.
"These are some of the efforts we have been making to ensure that the programmes of this administration achieve meaningful results," she stated.
Tinubu further revealed that the initiative has provided scholarships, ICT training opportunities, agricultural support and other empowerment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
She also appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country's current economic challenges.
"The narrative has changed in a way that places enormous pressure on ordinary Nigerians, yet the average citizen must continue to have hope. That is why Mr President named it the Renewed Hope Agenda.
"We must continue to renew our hope, and that is the message I want to leave with Nigerians," she added.
Her comments, however, generated intense debate across social media platforms, with many users arguing that the advice did not adequately reflect the economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians.
An X user, @ADCVanguard_, described the remarks as evidence of "how disconnected Nigeria's ruling class has become from the realities of ordinary citizens."
Another user, @ireteeh, compared the initiative with private-sector empowerment programmes, stating that while the First Lady was encouraging people to sell akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli, private individuals were helping Nigerians build careers in cybersecurity.
A different user, Nefertiti (@firstladyship), reacted by saying, "Nigerians are in big trouble. There is fire on the mountain but the people are tired of running."
Despite the criticism, several social media users defended the First Lady's comments, arguing that there is dignity and profitability in such businesses.
An X user identified as @Akikanju1568901 described akara sales as one of Nigeria's most profitable small businesses, noting that many traders had successfully trained their children through school, built houses and acquired vehicles from the trade.
Similarly, @PemiOladapo said there was nothing wrong with promoting local snack businesses, stressing that people could start small and gradually expand their enterprises.
Another user, @TossynBankz_, argued that the controversy was less about the businesses themselves and more about the timing of the remarks.
According to the user, "Nobody is mocking akara, roasted corn or kuli-kuli. They are honest businesses. The real issue is that Nigerians are asking for a stronger economy, more employment opportunities and lower living costs. Advising people to start selling akara at a time like this makes it appear as though the government does not fully understand the hardship many citizens are facing."
The comments have continued to fuel conversations online, with supporters and critics offering differing views on the First Lady's message and the country's current economic realities.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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