The Renewed Hope Neighbour 2 Neighbour, a pro-government support group, has defended recent comments by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on selling akara, describing the remarks as a message of economic empowerment rather than a cause for criticism.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the group’s National Coordinator, Mr. Belusochukwu Enwere, said the First Lady’s comments had been taken out of context and misrepresented on social media.
According to Enwere, the remarks were made in the context of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s efforts to empower vulnerable Nigerians through grants, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes.
He explained that the First Lady’s reference to businesses such as selling akara, kuli-kuli and roasted corn was intended to encourage Nigerians to embrace small-scale enterprises that require minimal start-up capital and can grow into sustainable businesses over time.
“The First Lady’s message was clear and constructive. It highlights the importance of starting small businesses with limited capital and expanding them through hard work and determination,” he said.
Enwere noted that the examples cited reflected a widely accepted entrepreneurial principle that many successful businesses begin on a small scale before growing into larger enterprises.
“We regret that these remarks have been taken out of context and sensationalised by some sections of the public and social media. The First Lady’s message was one of hope, resilience and practical empowerment — start small, grow big,” he added.
He said the philosophy aligns with entrepreneurial realities in Nigeria and across the world, where many thriving businesses evolved from modest beginnings.
The group also commended the First Lady for her commitment to improving the welfare of women, youths and other vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Enwere said the initiative had provided grants, vocational training, healthcare interventions and other support programmes aimed at promoting self-reliance and reducing poverty.
He further highlighted Senator Tinubu’s support for programmes focused on tuberculosis eradication, breast cancer awareness and treatment, and the fight against malnutrition, describing the interventions as evidence of her commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.
The group called on Nigerians to support the First Lady’s empowerment initiatives instead of criticising her comments, stressing that addressing poverty and unemployment requires collective responsibility.
“Eradicating hunger and poverty requires collective action, shared responsibility and a renewed sense of optimism. Let us focus on the substance of the First Lady’s vision of empowering citizens to take ownership of their economic destinies, one small business at a time,” Enwere said.
He also urged the media and the public to engage constructively with the Renewed Hope Initiative rather than distort its message, expressing confidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda would contribute to building a more prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria.
