President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday playfully teased First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu over her recent comments encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses such as akara (bean cake), roasted corn and kuli-kuli.
The light-hearted remark came during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, where the President was addressing invited dignitaries and media executives.
In a moment that drew laughter from guests, Tinubu referred to the First Lady as:
“My dear wife, First Lady, Iya Alakara.”
The President’s comment followed widespread public reactions to a recent statement by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which sparked debate across social media platforms.
Speaking with journalists in a video that circulated online, the First Lady had defended the administration’s support for small businesses through grant programmes rather than loans.
According to her, several low-capital businesses can serve as viable sources of income for Nigerians.
“To start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn or kuli-kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan, we gave them a grant. We have encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. I also gave to several others.”
The remarks generated mixed reactions, with some Nigerians supporting the emphasis on entrepreneurship, while others criticised the comments amid the country’s prevailing economic challenges and rising cost of living.
President Tinubu’s humorous reference to the First Lady during the dinner appeared to acknowledge the public attention the remarks had attracted, drawing laughter from attendees at the event.
