The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has sparked widespread reactions on social media after encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as a means of earning a living.
Mrs Tinubu made the remarks while addressing State House correspondents after the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with wives of state governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.
A video of her comments, which surfaced online on Friday, generated intense debate, with many Nigerians questioning the appropriateness of the message amid the country’s economic challenges.
Explaining the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady said beneficiaries of the programme received grants rather than loans to enable them to establish small businesses.
According to her, ventures such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli require little capital, making them suitable options for individuals seeking to earn an income.
She said the initiative had continued to provide support to vulnerable Nigerians through grants and other intervention programmes.
Mrs Tinubu also highlighted several humanitarian interventions undertaken by the initiative, disclosing that she donated N2bn towards the fight against tuberculosis, N1bn for breast cancer interventions and N500m to combat malnutrition.
She added that the programme had also invested in scholarships, ICT training, agriculture and other social investment initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to remain optimistic despite the prevailing economic situation, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to restore confidence and improve the welfare of citizens.
Her remarks, however, attracted criticism from several social media users, who argued that the comments appeared disconnected from the economic realities confronting many Nigerians.
Some critics contended that while small businesses are legitimate means of livelihood, citizens were seeking broader economic reforms, increased employment opportunities and measures to reduce the rising cost of living.
Others compared the initiative with private-sector programmes focused on equipping young Nigerians with skills in technology and other high-growth industries.
However, several users defended the First Lady, insisting there was nothing wrong with encouraging entrepreneurship through low-capital businesses.
They argued that businesses such as akara and roasted corn sales have supported many families over the years, helping owners fund education, build homes and achieve financial stability.
Another group of commentators maintained that the controversy was less about the businesses themselves and more about the timing of the advice, noting that many Nigerians were expecting policies that directly address inflation, unemployment and the high cost of living.