Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has come under public scrutiny following remarks encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli as a means of earning income amid the country’s economic challenges.
Speaking during a meeting in Abuja, the First Lady explained that her office provides modest financial grants to support entrepreneurship, particularly for individuals seeking to establish micro-businesses. According to her, the initiative is designed to offer hope and empower vulnerable Nigerians through sustainable sources of income.
Oluremi Tinubu also highlighted broader interventions under the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that the programme has committed ₦2 billion to tuberculosis control and ₦1 billion to breast cancer treatment. She said the administration remains focused on improving healthcare, supporting women, and expanding economic opportunities for citizens.
However, her comments quickly generated widespread reactions on social media and among political commentators. Critics described the advice as disconnected from the realities faced by many educated Nigerians struggling to secure professional employment despite years of academic training. Some argued that government policies should prioritize job creation, industrial growth, and investment in sectors capable of absorbing skilled graduates.
Supporters of the First Lady defended her remarks, saying there is dignity in entrepreneurship regardless of scale. They noted that Nigeria’s informal economy has long provided livelihoods for millions of families and that many small businesses have grown into successful enterprises through dedication and access to financial support.
