Akara Advice Backfires: First Lady's Message Ignites Fiery Rejection and Public Debate

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu's recent advice urging Nigerians to embrace petty trading, such as selling akara, kulikuli and roasted corn, has ignited a significant public debate amidst the country's worsening economic hardship.

Her comments, which suggested that such ventures require little capital to start, were met with widespread reactions on social media, with many critics describing them as disconnected from the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

Among the most vocal critics was Afrobeats singer, Mr Real, who expressed strong disapproval of the First Lady's proposition. Reacting to the advice, the 'Legbegbe' crooner controversially stated, "I go rather join bandit than to sell kulikuli and akara. And my target will be only politicians. At least if I am caught, they will rehabilitate me."

Mr Real labeled the First Lady’s remarks as insensitive, arguing that petty trading offers an unrealistic solution to Nigeria’s profound economic challenges. He also subtly criticized the government's approach to insecurity, hinting at the perceived rehabilitation of apprehended bandits.

In contrast, presidential spokesperson,Sunday Dare, rose to the First Lady's defense, highlighting his own life story as proof of the transformative power of small-scale entrepreneurship.

Amidst the backlash, Dare recounted how his mother successfully sold akara, bananas, and oranges, not only supporting their family but also financing his education. He emphasized that the First Lady's core message was to encourage enterprise, irrespective of the modest nature of its beginnings, asserting that there is no inherent fault in starting a business on a small scale.

Dare further argued, "Wherever I am today, my mother sold Akara. Wherever I am today, my mother sold bananas. I carry bananas on a tray in my head to markets in Jos, Plateau State. My mother sold oranges. And through that, they were able to train me."

He urged critics to look beyond the specific examples and focus on the broader call for entrepreneurial engagement, drawing parallels to the humble beginnings of successful figures like Aliko Dangote.

Adding another perspective to the discourse, an akara seller shared a compelling account of her own entrepreneurial success with Dee One Comedian. She detailed how she commenced her business with an initial capital of ₦12,000 and managed to generate a profit of ₦5,000 in a single day, achieving total sales of ₦17,000.

The seller further expressed confidence that an additional investment of ₦30,000 would enable her to expand her business significantly by securing a location with higher customer traffic, thereby increasing her earnings.

The debate surrounding the First Lady's encouragement of micro-enterprises continues to divide public opinion.

Many Nigerians remain skeptical about the viability of such ventures in the country's current economic climate, which is characterized by escalating inflation and a steadily rising cost of doing business, contrasting with the optimistic views presented by figures like Sunday Dare and the successful akara seller.