First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has sparked widespread debate after urging Nigerians to consider small businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as a way to earn a living.
Speaking after the Renewed Hope Initiative’s second-quarter meeting with the wives of state governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu said the businesses require little capital and could provide a pathway to self-reliance.
A video of her remarks, shared by News Channel 247 on Friday, quickly spread across social media, triggering mixed reactions.
Highlighting the intervention programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady said beneficiaries receive grants rather than loans to help them start businesses.
“We’re trying to give hope, and starting an akara business doesn’t require a lot of money. The same goes for roasting corn or even making kuli-kuli. We didn’t give them loans; we gave them grants.
“So we’ve encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. What is within our hands, I have given, and I will continue to give,” she said.
Tinubu said the initiative has extended support beyond small businesses, funding healthcare, education, agriculture and social investment programmes.
She disclosed that she donated ₦2 billion to fight tuberculosis, ₦1 billion for breast cancer interventions and ₦500 million to tackle malnutrition.
“When I learned about the high number of tuberculosis cases, I donated ₦2 billion. I also gave ₦1 billion for breast cancer and half a billion naira to address food malnutrition. These are some of the things we’ve been doing to support the government’s efforts and ensure they succeed,” she said.
She added that the initiative has also provided scholarships, ICT training and agricultural support while encouraging Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country’s economic challenges.
“The narrative has changed in a way that discourages the average Nigerian, but the average person is supposed to have hope. That’s why Mr President called it the Renewed Hope Agenda. We must renew our hope, and that’s the message I have for Nigerians,” she said.
Her comments, however, drew sharp criticism online, with many Nigerians accusing the First Lady of being out of touch with the country’s worsening economic realities.
An X user, @ADCVanguard_, described the remarks as evidence of “how disconnected Nigeria’s ruling class has become from the reality of ordinary citizens.”
Another user, @ireteeh, contrasted the government’s intervention with private-sector initiatives, writing: “The First Lady is empowering people with akara, corn and kuli-kuli, while ordinary Nigerians with limited resources are helping others build careers in cybersecurity.”
Popular X user Nefertiti (@firstladyship) also criticised the remarks, saying: “Nigerians are in big trouble. There is fire on the mountain, but the people are tired of running.”
Others, however, defended the First Lady, arguing there is dignity and profitability in such businesses.
One user, @Akikanju1568901, said akara remains one of Nigeria’s most profitable small businesses, noting that many vendors had used proceeds from the trade to educate their children, build homes and acquire cars.
Another supporter, @PemiOladapo, wrote: “There’s dignity in labour. These are our local snacks. People can start small and grow into bigger businesses.”
Some commentators argued that the backlash was less about the businesses themselves than the timing of the remarks.
“Nobody is mocking akara, roasted corn or kuli-kuli. They’re honest businesses,” wrote @TossynBankz_. “The problem is that Nigerians are asking for a stronger economy, more jobs and lower living costs. Telling people to start selling akara at a time like this makes many feel the government doesn’t fully understand what they’re going through.”
