Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her controversial remarks on small-scale businesses, insisting that the Federal Government’s economic empowerment programmes extend far beyond akara sellers despite mounting criticism over her earlier comments.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the newly completed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, Mrs Tinubu maintained that the government’s support targets a broad spectrum of petty traders, including sellers of tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain (bole), and other small-scale businesses.
Her remarks come amid widespread backlash that followed her earlier comments highlighting akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli businesses as examples of enterprises being supported under the administration’s economic empowerment initiatives. Critics had argued that the comments failed to reflect the worsening economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians.
Responding to the criticism, the First Lady announced a ₦100 million business recapitalisation grant for 2,000 women petty traders under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), stressing that the intervention was designed to strengthen grassroots businesses across the country.
“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,” she said.
Clarifying her earlier remarks, Mrs Tinubu said her comments had been misconstrued.
“I know people have been saying I mentioned only akara. It is not only akara. We also have tomato sellers, bole 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 stated.
She disclosed that each of the 2,000 beneficiaries would receive ₦50,000 to expand their 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.
Mrs Tinubu insisted that negative reactions would not deter the Federal Government from implementing programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of grassroots entrepreneurs.
“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.
The First Lady also urged young Nigerians to diversify their economic interests beyond the oil sector, noting that the country possesses abundant agricultural and natural resources capable of driving sustainable growth.
Reflecting on a recent visit to an orange orchard in Benue State, she said Nigeria’s future prosperity lies in harnessing its vast untapped resources.
“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 added.
This version places the controversy at the centre of the story while retaining all the key quotes and highlighting the ₦100 million grant as the administration’s response to the backlash.
