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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her recent remarks about small-scale businesses, insisting that the Federal Government’s economic empowerment programmes are not limited to akara sellers but also cover traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses.
Mrs Tinubu made the clarification on Monday while inaugurating the newly completed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State. A video of the event was later broadcast by TVC News.
Her comments follow criticism that trailed an earlier statement in which she referenced akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli businesses while discussing government interventions.
The remarks sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that they downplayed the country’s economic realities.
Responding to the controversy, the First Lady disclosed that the Federal Government had already released ₦100 million to the Jigawa State Government to support 2,000 petty traders across the state.
“Because of the atmosphere and everything that is going on, I’ve told Her Excellency that we have already donated about ₦100 million for the empowerment of 2,000 petty traders,” she said.
“I know people have been saying I mentioned only akara. It is not only akara. We also have tomato sellers, boole sellers, those selling pepper and vegetables in our markets.
“We will continue to empower them and strengthen their businesses so their trades can become sustainable. That is exactly what we are doing.”
The First Lady explained that each beneficiary would receive ₦50,000 as business support to help recapitalise and expand their enterprises.
“We have identified 2,000 women already engaged in small businesses. They will each receive ₦50,000 to recapitalise their businesses. The ₦100 million has already been provided,” she added.
She maintained that public criticism would not discourage the Federal Government from continuing its economic support initiatives, insisting that the beneficiaries appreciated the intervention.
“I know the people directly affected appreciate what we are doing. We are not intimidated by inaccurate reports. We will continue moving forward to ensure our people are properly supported and cared for,” the First Lady said.
Speaking further, Mrs Tinubu urged young Nigerians to explore the country’s vast economic potential beyond crude oil, noting that Nigeria possesses abundant agricultural and natural resources capable of driving national prosperity.
She recalled visiting an orange orchard in Benue State and described it as one of many untapped opportunities across the country.
“Nigeria is truly blessed. As I travel across the country, I pray our young people will recognise the enormous resources we have.
“We have concentrated so much on oil, yet there are countless other opportunities waiting to be explored,” she said.
