'It’s Not Just Akara': Remi Tinubu Defends Petty Traders Empowerment, Says Tomato, Pepper Sellers Also Benefit

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has defended her recent remarks on supporting small-scale businesses, saying the Federal Government's empowerment programme extends far beyond akara sellers to include tomato, pepper, vegetable and roasted plantain (bole) traders.

Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia's Palace in Jigawa State, Mrs Tinubu responded to criticisms that followed her earlier comments highlighting akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli businesses as viable sources of income for women.

The remarks had generated widespread debate on social media, with some critics arguing that the examples did not reflect the scale of Nigeria's current economic challenges.

Addressing the controversy, the First Lady said the intervention under the Renewed Hope Initiative covers a broad range of petty traders and is intended to strengthen small businesses across the country.

"And I know they've been talking that I said akara. It's not only akara… we also have tomato sellers. We have bole and those selling pepper, selling vegetables for us in the market. We'll continue to empower them, add to their resources so that their trade can really be sustainable," she said.

Mrs Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government had provided ₦100 million to the Jigawa State Government to support 2,000 petty traders, with each beneficiary receiving ₦50,000 to recapitalise and expand their businesses.

She said the financial support was aimed at helping small traders sustain their enterprises and improve their livelihoods.

The First Lady also maintained that the programme would continue despite public criticism.

"I know all those people who are affected, they do appreciate it. And we are not intimidated by all those wrong reports. But we are forging ahead and making sure that our people are well cared for," she said.

Mrs Tinubu further encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture, describing the sector as one with enormous potential for job creation and economic growth.

According to her, Nigeria possesses abundant agricultural resources that remain largely untapped and should not rely solely on oil for economic prosperity.

She cited an orange orchard she recently visited in Benue State as an example of the opportunities available in agriculture, urging young people to embrace farming and agribusiness as viable paths to economic empowerment.