BREAKING: Presidency Defends Remi Tinubu’s ‘Akara Business’ Comment

• The Presidency has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s advice urging Nigerians to consider small businesses like akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli trading.

The Presidency has come to the defence of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu following the backlash that greeted her recent comments encouraging Nigerians, particularly women, to venture into small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli.

Speaking during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Presidential spokesperson on Media and Communications, Sunday Dare, said the First Lady’s remarks had been misunderstood.

According to him, Mrs Tinubu was simply encouraging Nigerians to develop entrepreneurial skills and engage in productive ventures, no matter how small.

“She didn’t miss her point. Her point is that whatever it is, try and do something. Have some level of entrepreneurial skills,” Dare said.

He noted that the informal sector remains a major driver of Nigeria’s economy, with millions of small business owners contributing significantly to economic growth and household survival.

Dare also drew from his personal experience, revealing that his mother sold akara, oranges and bananas to support the family, while he personally hawked bananas in markets in Jos, Plateau State.

“Whenever I am today, my mother sold akara and banana. I carried banana on my head to markets in Jos. Through that, they were able to train me. What’s wrong with that if that was right 60 years ago?” he asked.

The presidential aide further cited the story of billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote, saying the industrialist also started from humble beginnings before building one of Africa’s largest business empires.

“Go and read Dangote’s story. He also started like a small trader. So the point the First Lady is making is, whatever it is, be engaged in some kind of enterprise,” he added.

However, the First Lady’s comments have continued to attract criticism from many Nigerians who described the advice as insensitive, especially given the country’s rising inflation and worsening economic conditions.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also criticised the remarks, suggesting that Mrs Tinubu should first establish such businesses for members of her family and women leaders within the ruling party.

“Senator Remi Tinubu should first set up corn, akara and kuli-kuli businesses for some members of her family and APC women leaders. It will encourage other Nigerians to venture into the same business,” he wrote on X.