Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has defended First Lady Remi Tinubu over her recent advice encouraging unemployed Nigerian women to engage in small-scale businesses such as frying bean cakes (akara) and selling roasted corn.
The singer made the remarks during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, arguing that the First Lady’s comments had been widely misunderstood and taken out of context.
Mrs Tinubu had come under heavy criticism after advising unemployed women to consider petty trading as a means of earning a living.
Her comments sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that such suggestions failed to address the country’s broader economic challenges, including unemployment, inflation and the rising cost of living.
Critics maintained that many graduates and skilled professionals require sustainable employment opportunities rather than encouragement to venture into informal businesses.
However, Portable disagreed with the criticism.
According to the singer, nothing is degrading about engaging in small-scale businesses, stressing that many successful Nigerians were raised by parents who built their families through petty trading.
He argued that humble businesses have historically provided livelihoods for millions of Nigerians and should not be looked down upon.
“Nigerians misunderstood what Remi Tinubu meant,” Portable said.
“If you look at many wealthy people in this country, their mothers trained them by selling pepper and roasted corn.”
The singer maintained that businesses often considered small can generate significant income when managed properly.
Drawing from his personal experience, Portable claimed he encountered traders abroad who had achieved financial success through similar ventures.
“When I went to London, I even saw someone selling corn while using a Benz,” he stated.
According to him, the example illustrates that profitability depends more on dedication and proper business management than on the nature of the trade itself.
Portable noted that entrepreneurship has long been a pathway to financial independence and urged unemployed Nigerians not to dismiss opportunities simply because they appear modest.
His comments have generated mixed reactions online.
Some social media users agreed with the singer, arguing that no honest business should be considered beneath anyone and that many thriving entrepreneurs started with relatively small ventures.
Others pointed to countless Nigerian families whose livelihoods have been sustained through businesses such as food vending, market trading and other informal enterprises.
Supporters of Portable’s position also argued that the First Lady’s advice was intended to encourage self-reliance rather than diminish the seriousness of unemployment.
However, many Nigerians remained critical of the remarks attributed to Mrs Tinubu.
Some argued that while entrepreneurship is important, public officials should focus on creating an enabling environment where citizens have access to jobs, affordable loans, stable electricity and economic policies that support small businesses.
Others said encouraging people to sell akara or roasted corn does little to address the structural issues affecting millions of unemployed graduates across the country.
The debate reflects broader concerns over Nigeria’s economic situation, where many households continue to grapple with rising living costs and limited employment opportunities.
Portable has frequently commented on social and political issues despite being best known for his unconventional personality and street-inspired music.
The singer often uses interviews and social media to share his opinions on matters affecting ordinary Nigerians, sometimes attracting praise and, at other times, criticism for his outspoken views.