Presidency and RTIFN DG Defend First Lady's Akara Business Remarks
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu's recent remarks encouraging small-scale enterprises like akara selling have drawn both criticism and strong defense. Officials emphasize her message promotes self-reliance, dignity of labor, and economic empowerment through grants, highlighting that many successful ventures begin with humble entrepreneurial efforts.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, recently faced criticism for her remarks encouraging Nigerians to engage in small-scale enterprises like selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli. These comments were made while addressing State House correspondents after the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with wives of the 36 state governors in Abuja. Mrs. Tinubu clarified that the initiative provides grants, not loans, to beneficiaries to support their businesses and improve livelihoods, emphasizing that starting an akara business or roasting corn does not require significant capital.
Ahmed Bala, the Director-General of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), strongly defended the First Lady, describing the criticism as unnecessary and politically motivated. In a statement from Abuja, Bala asserted that Senator Tinubu’s message was rooted in the principles of self-reliance, the dignity of labor, and economic empowerment, especially for vulnerable Nigerians seeking sustainable income. He urged the public to focus on the broader intent behind the remarks, arguing that the advice was about self-reliance and making productive use of available opportunities, rather than a suggestion of poverty. Bala maintained that many successful entrepreneurs began with small ventures, stressing that modest beginnings should never be a source of shame.
Bala called on young Nigerians to acquire vocational skills and embrace entrepreneurial opportunities, noting that government interventions are most effective when complemented by individual initiative and community support. He emphasized that promoting small and medium-scale enterprises is vital for reducing unemployment and strengthening grassroots economic activities across the country. He also cautioned against politicizing messages intended to encourage productivity, stating that honest labor, such as selling akara or roasting corn, is honorable and has sustained many Nigerian families.
Further support for the First Lady came from Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications. During an interview, Dare highlighted the informal sector's crucial role in driving the Nigerian economy, crediting the resilience of small-scale entrepreneurs. He clarified that the First Lady’s message was an encouragement for Nigerians to pursue any form of entrepreneurial skill and