‘We’re Not Intimidated’, First Lady Tinubu Defends ‘Akara’ Remark, Empowers 2,000 Traders

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday, said she was not intimidated by negaive comments even as she defended her recent remarks on small-scale businesses, insisting that the Federal Government’s economic empowerment programmes were not limited to akara sellers but extend to traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses.

Mrs Tinubu made the clarification while inaugurating the newly completed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, where she also announced a ₦100 million business recapitalisation grant for 2,000 women petty traders under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Her comments followed criticism that trailed an earlier statement in which she referenced akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli businesses while highlighting government interventions for small-scale entrepreneurs.

The remarks had sparked widespread reactions on social media, with some Nigerians arguing that they downplayed the country’s economic realities.

Responding to the controversy, the First Lady said the government’s intervention was designed to support a broad range of grassroots businesses.

“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.

“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.”

She explained that each of the 2,000 beneficiaries would receive ₦50,000 to recapitalise and expand their existing businesses.

“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.

The First Lady maintained that public criticism would not deter the Federal Government from implementing its economic support programmes, stressing that the intended 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,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu also urged young Nigerians to explore opportunities beyond the oil sector, noting that the country possesses enormous agricultural and natural resources capable of driving economic growth.

Recalling a recent visit to an orange orchard in Benue State, she 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,” Mrs Tinubu said.