President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stirred laughter at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after playfully referring to his wife, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” during a public event.
The remark was made at the maiden State House Media Corps Presidential Dinner, attended by top government officials and journalists covering the presidency. While opening his speech, Tinubu humorously said, “Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen. My dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” drawing loud laughter from the audience.
A viral video from the event showed the First Lady appearing unfazed, nodding and engaging in a conversation with another guest, alongside the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, as the president laughed along.
The president’s comment comes on the heels of recent remarks by Mrs. Tinubu during a meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with wives of state governors. At the gathering, she explained that beneficiaries were given grants not loans to support small-scale businesses such as akara (bean cake), roasted corn, and kuli-kuli.
“We’re trying to give hope, and to start an akara business doesn’t take a lot of money… We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she had said.
Her comments sparked widespread reactions across social media and political circles, with critics arguing they reflected a disconnect from the economic realities facing many Nigerians. Supporters, however, defended her stance, emphasizing the dignity of labour and the importance of entrepreneurship.
The Presidency also responded to the backlash, with Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, defending the First Lady’s position. He highlighted personal experiences, recalling how his mother engaged in small-scale trading to support their family
