Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her recent comments about empowering women involved in small-scale businesses, saying the federal government’s support goes far beyond akara and roasted corn vendors.
Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of the Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, Tinubu said beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Initiative also include traders who sell tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain (bole), and other everyday market goods.
Her remarks come days after social media users criticised her for citing akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli businesses as examples of viable sources of income for women at a time many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship.
Responding to the criticism, the First Lady insisted that the intervention programme is designed to support a broad range of petty traders and help them grow their businesses.
“I know people have been talking about my comments on akara. But it’s not only akara sellers we are supporting. We also have tomato sellers, bole vendors, pepper sellers, vegetable traders and many others in the markets. We will continue to empower them by increasing their capital so their businesses can become sustainable,” she said.
Tinubu disclosed that the federal government, through her office, had provided N100 million to the Jigawa State Government to support 2,000 petty traders across the state.
According to her, each beneficiary will receive N50,000 to boost their businesses and improve their earning capacity.
She maintained that criticism of the programme would not discourage the government from continuing its support for low-income entrepreneurs.
“Those who have benefited from these interventions appreciate what we are doing. We are not distracted by negative reports or criticism. Our focus remains on ensuring that ordinary Nigerians are supported and cared for,” she said.
The First Lady also encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture, stressing that the country’s future prosperity cannot depend solely on oil revenues.
She pointed to an orange plantation she recently visited in Benue State as an example of the enormous opportunities available in the agricultural sector.
According to her, agriculture remains one of the most promising avenues for job creation, wealth generation and economic growth in the country.
