First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has sparked mixed reactions after encouraging Nigerians to consider low-cost businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as a way to earn a living.
Speaking after the Renewed Hope Initiative’s second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors in Abuja, Tinubu said the initiative provides grants—not loans—to help vulnerable Nigerians start small businesses. She noted that such ventures require little capital and are among the ways the programme is restoring hope.
She also highlighted other interventions under the initiative, including N2 billion for tuberculosis treatment, N1 billion for breast cancer support, N500 million to combat malnutrition, as well as scholarships, ICT training, agricultural support and other social investment programmes.
While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s economic challenges, her remarks drew criticism on social media, with many users accusing her of being out of touch with the realities of widespread hardship and unemployment.
However, others defended the First Lady, arguing that there is dignity in honest work and that businesses like akara and roasted corn sales have helped many Nigerians build sustainable livelihoods. Some also maintained that the issue was not the businesses themselves but the timing of the advice, as many citizens are calling for broader economic reforms and improved living conditions