Akara Business: ‘We’re Not Intimidated’ — Remi Tinubu Breaks Silence

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has responded to the backlash that followed her advice encouraging unemployed Nigerian women to venture into frying and selling bean cakes, popularly known as akara, as a means of livelihood.

The remarks, captured in a viral video, attracted widespread criticism from many Nigerians, particularly youths, who accused the First Lady of trivialising the country’s worsening economic challenges and unemployment situation.

Reacting to the controversy during an event in Jigawa State on Monday, Mrs Tinubu dismissed the criticism, insisting that her office’s empowerment programmes are designed to support vulnerable Nigerians and should not be misrepresented.

According to her, the initiative is not limited to akara sellers but extends to other categories of small-scale traders and entrepreneurs across the country.

“I heard people talking about akara sellers. It is not only akara sellers. We are also supporting tomato sellers, maize sellers, vegetable sellers, and many other petty traders,” she said.

The First Lady stressed that those who directly benefit from the intervention appreciate the support being provided, noting that public criticism would not discourage her office from continuing with its empowerment initiatives.

“I know the beneficiaries appreciate it, and we’re not intimidated by the wrong reports. We will continue to make sure that we care for our people,” she added.

Mrs Tinubu maintained that the objective of the programme is to empower women and low-income earners by providing opportunities to expand their businesses and improve their standard of living.

The controversy began after a video circulated on social media showing the First Lady advising women without jobs to consider small-scale businesses such as frying akara to earn a living.

The comments generated mixed reactions online, with critics arguing that government officials should focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities rather than encouraging informal survival businesses.

Supporters of the First Lady, however, defended her remarks, describing them as practical advice intended to encourage entrepreneurship among women facing economic hardship.

Despite the criticism, Mrs Tinubu reaffirmed that her office would continue implementing programmes targeted at supporting petty traders and vulnerable groups as part of ongoing efforts to improve livelihoods and promote economic inclusion across the country.