Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has responded to the criticism that followed her advice urging unemployed Nigerian women to consider frying and selling akara (bean cake) as a means of earning a living.
The comment, which surfaced in a viral video, sparked widespread backlash from many Nigerian youths, who accused the First Lady of being insensitive to the country’s economic realities.
Addressing the controversy while speaking in Jigawa State on Monday, Remi Tinubu insisted that the criticism would not deter her office from supporting small-scale businesses across the country.
She explained that the empowerment programme goes beyond akara sellers, noting that it also provides support to tomato sellers, maize sellers, vegetable vendors and other petty traders.
“I heard people talking about akara sellers. It is not only akara sellers. We are also supporting tomato sellers, maize sellers, vegetable sellers, and many other petty traders.
“I know the beneficiaries appreciate it, and we’re not intimidated by the wrong reports. We will continue to make sure that we care for our people,” she said.
The First Lady maintained that her office remains committed to empowering grassroots entrepreneurs despite the public criticism surrounding her remarks.
