President Bola Tinubu on Thursday sparked laughter at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja after playfully referring to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller).

According to Punch Newspapers, the remark came during the President’s speech at the State House as he acknowledged dignitaries in attendance.

“Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” Tinubu said, drawing laughter and reactions from guests.

The light-hearted comment appears to reference the recent controversy surrounding remarks made by the First Lady during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme.

Earlier, Oluremi Tinubu had encouraged Nigerian women to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli, noting that such ventures require little startup capital.

Her comments triggered mixed reactions on social media, with critics arguing that the remarks appeared insensitive amid Nigeria’s economic hardship.

In response to the backlash, the First Lady later clarified that the Federal Government’s empowerment initiative goes beyond akara sellers and includes support for traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses.

Speaking during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, she disclosed that the Federal Government had donated N100 million to empower 2,000 petty traders in the state.

She stressed that the programme is aimed at helping small traders grow sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods.

The playful exchange at the State House has since generated fresh reactions online, with many Nigerians viewing it as a humorous nod to the earlier debate.