By Akanbi kamaldeen
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu,has received backlash for her suggestion that Nigerians explore small business ventures like frying akara, roasting corn,and making kuli-kuli as a source of income
These comments was made during a meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with wives of state governors in Abuja and garnered a significant attention after a video of the remark was shared on social media.
Reacting on X, user @TossynBankz_, argued that Nigerians were not condemning small businesses but were demanding better economic conditions, saying the advice appeared insensitive amid rising hardship.
Similarly, @ChucksChukwu criticizedthe First Lady for lacking an understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerian and Cephas Okarefe stated our political leader are underestimating the economic difficulties the country is gapping with.
Despite the criticism, some Nigerians defended the First Lady.included another x,user @Akikanju1568901 said akara trading has helped many families build homes and fund education, while @PemiOladapo stated, maintaining that local snack businesses remain a dignified and legitimate source of income.
Speaking at the event, Oluremi Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Initiative provides grants to support vulnerable Nigerians. She also highlighted interventions including N1 billion for breast cancer treatment, N2 billion for tuberculosis,N500 million for malnutrition, as well as scholarships, ICT training, agricultural support and other social investment programmes.
She urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to restore confidence and improve livelihoods.