Remi Tinubu defends comments on ‘akara’, kuli-kuli, says FG supports tomato, pepper sellers

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has defended her recent comments about small-scale businesses, saying the Federal Government’s economic empowerment initiatives are not limited to akara sellers but also target traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses.

Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, Tinubu said the government’s intervention was designed to support thousands of small business owners across the country.

Her comments come amid criticism that followed her earlier remarks referencing akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli sellers, which many Nigerians interpreted as downplaying the country’s economic challenges.

Responding to the backlash, the First Lady said the Federal Government had already released N100 million to the Jigawa State Government to support 2,000 petty traders.

“People have been saying I mentioned only akara. It’s not only akara. We also have tomato sellers, boole sellers, those selling pepper and vegetables in our markets. We will continue to empower them and strengthen their businesses so they can become sustainable,” she said.

According to Tinubu, each of the 2,000 beneficiaries will receive N50,000 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.

“I know those who have benefited appreciate it. We are not intimidated by all those wrong reports. We will continue to move forward and ensure our people are well cared for,” she added.

The First Lady also urged young Nigerians to explore opportunities beyond the oil sector, saying the country possesses enormous untapped agricultural and natural resources.

Drawing from her recent visits across the country, she cited an orange orchard in Benue State as an example of Nigeria’s vast economic potential, expressing optimism that greater investment in agriculture and other sectors would create more opportunities for the nation’s youth.