The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her earlier remarks on small-scale businesses, clarifying that the Federal Government’s empowerment programme is not limited to akara sellers but also supports traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain (bole), and other petty businesses.
Mrs Tinubu made the clarification on Monday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, according to a video aired by TVC News.
Her comments come days after she faced widespread criticism on social media over remarks suggesting that businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli could provide economic opportunities. Many Nigerians interpreted the comments as downplaying the country’s economic challenges.
Responding to the backlash, the First Lady said the Federal Government had already provided ₦100 million to the Jigawa State Government to empower 2,000 petty traders across the state.
“Because of the atmosphere and what is going on, I’ve told Her Excellency that we’ve already donated about ₦100 million to her to empower 2,000 petty traders,” she said.
“I know they’ve been talking that I said akara. It’s not only akara. We also have tomato sellers, bole sellers, those selling pepper and vegetables in the market. We will continue to empower them and add to their resources so that their trade can really be sustainable.”
According to Mrs Tinubu, each beneficiary will receive ₦50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.
“We have 2,000 women already engaged in small businesses. They will recapitalise their businesses with the ₦50,000 each. We’ve already given the ₦100 million,” she added.
The First Lady maintained that public criticism would not discourage the administration from implementing its empowerment initiatives.
“I know all those people who are affected appreciate it. We are not intimidated by all those wrong reports. We are forging ahead and making sure that our people are well cared for,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s vast economic potential beyond crude oil, recounting a recent visit to an orange orchard in Benue State. She urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the country’s abundant agricultural and natural resources.
“Nigeria is a really blessed country. I’ve been travelling, and I pray that our young people will see the resources we have in this nation. We have not even gone to explore them yet because we are thinking only about oil. But there are so many opportunities,” she said.
