President Bola Tinubu on Thursday playfully nicknamed First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller) during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House, Abuja, drawing laughter from guests.
While observing protocol, the President smiled and said, “Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” sparking reactions from the audience.
The nickname comes days after the First Lady urged Nigerian women to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s empowerment programme.
Her remarks triggered widespread reactions on social media, with critics accusing her of trivialising the economic hardship facing many Nigerians.
However, Oluremi Tinubu later clarified that the empowerment programme is not limited to akara sellers but also covers traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain (bole) and other petty businesses.
Speaking in Jigawa State, she disclosed that the Federal Government had donated ₦100 million to empower 2,000 petty traders, saying the initiative is aimed at helping small business owners grow and sustain their livelihoods.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
