Nigerians have lashed out at the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, after she encouraged them to engage in small businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli.
The former senator came under heavy criticism from citizens of the country following her counsel that these trades do not require significant start-up capital.
The backlash began when she reportedly asserted that the administration led by her husband supports small businesses through grants.
In a video trending online, Mrs Tinubu advised: “To start an akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn or kuli-kuli doesn’t take much.”
She added, “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.”
However, her comments generated fierce reactions on social media, where many netizens insisted that her statement does not reflect the harsh economic realities facing everyday Nigerians.
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An X user identified as DonC noted that the First Lady’s advice suggested the government lacked a broader vision for young Nigerians.
He wrote, ”When your First Lady has the mentality that you are not supposed to be innovators, engineers, and young entrepreneurs, it shows they have absolutely nothing to offer. You judge one’s intelligence by the ideas they offer. This family never disappoints in committing blunders.”
Another Nigerian, @Susan, described the statement as insulting.
She added, ”This is an insult to Nigerians and these people need to be put in their places! The country needs to be made ungovernable for them.”
Similarly, another internet user, @DedeHydra, blamed the electorate for voting in the current administration, saying the comments showed a severe disconnect from the suffering of ordinary citizens.
”Nigerians from different tribes and religions, this is you guys’ fault. You see what a First Lady is telling your mothers, wives, and daughters. She and Tinubu are going to increase your suffering seven times if you don’t vote them out.”
However, a netizen identified as @Akikanju defended the former lawmaker, arguing that selling akara is a respectable and profitable enterprise.
”Akara business is one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria. Start-up cost is the lowest and the profit margin is over 50 per cent. Akara sellers sent many kids like you to universities, built houses, bought cars, and provided a good quality of life.
”Sadly, many Nigerian youths lack the mental and physical capacity to explore and engage the immense opportunities around them. You are doing yourselves a disservice, not the First Lady.” the user claimed.