Tinubu Defends ‘Akara’ Remark, Urges Celebrities to Support the Poor

First Lady Remi Tinubu has defended her earlier remarks on empowering women through petty trading, saying such initiatives remain a practical pathway to economic support at the grassroots.

She spoke on Saturday in Lokoja, Kogi State, during the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme.

Remi Tinubu’s June suggestion that women could benefit from government grants to start small businesses, such as frying akara, roasting corn, or producing kuli-kuli, had drawn criticism from some Nigerians, who argued it downplayed the scale of economic hardship.

Responding to the backlash, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to the Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on supporting low-income traders, including sellers of pepper, vegetables, okra, melon, and other staple goods.

She also called on Nigeria’s entertainment industry to contribute more to social welfare, urging popular artists to establish charitable foundations.

“Good cars are good; a Maybach or Rolls-Royce is fine, but you can still help the poor,” she said.

Remi Tinubu cited the example of an Abuja-based graduate who turned to selling akara after struggling to find employment. According to her, support provided to the individual helped expand the business, which now employs 12 workers.

She emphasized that while government efforts continue, private individuals and successful public figures have a role to play in easing economic challenges faced by Nigerians.