“Addressing the controversy surrounding her earlier remarks about small-scale businesses, Mrs. Tinubu explained that the initiative extends beyond akara frying to include women who sell tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, maize, roasted plantain (bọọli), and other everyday market goods”
The debate surrounding the First Lady’s remarks highlights the broader conversation about poverty alleviation in Nigeria. While direct grants can provide immediate relief for vulnerable traders, many Nigerians continue to call for long-term economic reforms capable of creating sustainable jobs, reducing inflation, and improving living standards.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has clarified that the Federal Government’s economic empowerment programmes are not exclusively designed for akara (bean cake) sellers but are intended to support a wide range of petty traders across the country.
Speaking during an empowerment programme in Hadejia, Jigawa State, the First Lady said her administration would not be discouraged by public criticism and would continue providing direct financial support to grassroots entrepreneurs as part of efforts to strengthen local economies and improve household livelihoods.
Addressing the controversy surrounding her earlier remarks about small-scale businesses, Mrs. Tinubu explained that the initiative extends beyond akara frying to include women who sell tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, maize, roasted plantain (bọọli), and other everyday market goods.
As part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), she announced a ₦100 million recapitalisation grant for 2,000 women petty traders in Jigawa State, with each beneficiary receiving ₦50,000 as non-repayable financial support to expand their businesses.
The First Lady further disclosed that the nationwide programme aims to reach 37,000 petty traders across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), providing direct grants rather than loans to help vulnerable women sustain and grow their businesses.
Background
Mrs. Tinubu’s clarification follows widespread reactions on social media after earlier comments in which she suggested that Nigerians facing economic hardship could consider low-capital ventures such as frying akara or roasting corn. Critics argued that such remarks appeared to normalize poverty and failed to address broader economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
Responding to the criticism, the First Lady maintained that the empowerment programme is designed to provide immediate financial relief to women operating at the grassroots level, many of whom depend on small businesses to support their families.
She emphasized that while broader economic reforms remain the responsibility of government, direct grants to petty traders offer practical assistance to thousands of women who play a critical role in local commerce.
