The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has drawn mixed reactions after suggesting that Nigerians could consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli, arguing that such ventures require little capital to start.
Speaking after the Renewed Hope Initiative’s second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu said the initiative provides grants rather than loans to help vulnerable Nigerians establish businesses.
According to her, beneficiaries received financial support without any repayment obligation.
“We’re trying to give hope, and to start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli-kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she said.
The First Lady added that the Renewed Hope Initiative has extended support beyond business grants to healthcare, agriculture, education and social investment programmes.
She disclosed that she donated ₦2 billion towards tackling tuberculosis, ₦1 billion for breast cancer interventions and ₦500 million to combat malnutrition.
Tinubu also said the initiative has funded scholarships, ICT training and agricultural support while urging Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s economic difficulties.
“We have to renew our hope, and that’s what I have to tell Nigerians,” she said.
Her comments quickly generated widespread debate on social media.
Some critics argued that the remarks reflected a disconnect between Nigeria’s leadership and the economic realities faced by many citizens. Several users on X said Nigerians were seeking solutions such as lower living costs, more employment opportunities and improved economic conditions, rather than encouragement to start informal businesses.
Others defended the First Lady, insisting there was dignity in labour and that businesses such as akara and roasted corn sales have historically provided sustainable incomes for many Nigerian families. Supporters argued that such ventures require relatively low startup costs and can grow into profitable enterprises.
Some commentators adopted a middle ground, saying the criticism was less about the businesses themselves and more about the timing of the remarks, given the country’s current economic challenges.
