Akara saga: We also empower boli, pepper sellers, says Remi Tinubu
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has defended her recent comments that generated controversy over small-scale businesses. The First Lady trended on social media throughout the weekend for calling on Nigerians to consider ventures such as frying akara, roasted corn vending and kuli-kuli production, among other businesses that require little capital to start. While addressing State House […]
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has defended her recent comments that generated controversy over small-scale businesses.
The First Lady trended on social media throughout the weekend for calling on Nigerians to consider ventures such as frying akara, roasted corn vending and kuli-kuli production, among other businesses that require little capital to start.
While addressing State House Correspondents after the Renewed Hope Initiative’s second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors, held at the State House, Abuja, last week, the First Lady said the Renewed Hope Initiative had been supporting vulnerable Nigerians through grants and other interventions.
Responding, many social media users accuse the nation’s leaders of being detached from the country’s worsening economic realities.
But speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, she said the government’s intervention was designed to support thousands of small business owners across the country.
She added that the Federal Government’s economic empowerment initiatives were not limited to akara sellers but also target traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses.
“I know they have been talking that I said Akara. It’s not only Akara. We also have tomato sellers, we have Boli, and those selling pepper, selling vegetables in the market, we’ll continue to empower them and strengthen their businesses so they can become sustainable. I know all those who are affected will appreciate it, and we are not intimidated by all those wrong reports.”
Tinubu’s wife also disclosed that she had made provision of N50,000 each for 2,000 beneficiaries to recapitalise their businesses under the empowerment programme.
She insisted that criticism of her earlier remarks would not discourage the government from continuing its support for small-scale entrepreneurs.
The First Lady also urged young Nigerians to explore opportunities beyond the oil sector, saying the country possesses enormous untapped agricultural and natural resources.