Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful despite prevailing economic challenges, stressing that small businesses can serve as practical tools for income generation and self-reliance.
Speaking during a recent engagement focused on empowerment and social welfare, the First Lady highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. She noted that businesses requiring minimal startup capital, such as frying akara (bean cakes) or roasting corn—can provide meaningful income and improve household financial stability.
Her remarks come amid ongoing government efforts to promote economic inclusion, support vulnerable groups, and encourage entrepreneurship as part of broader strategies aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment.
According to Senator Tinubu, the goal is not only to provide temporary assistance but also to inspire Nigerians to build sustainable sources of income through honest work and determination.
She further assured citizens that her office would continue supporting empowerment initiatives within available resources, particularly those targeted at women, youths, and underserved communities across the country.
The First Lady explained that many successful businesses began on a small scale and encouraged Nigerians not to underestimate the potential of micro-enterprises in transforming lives.
Her comments have generated discussions among economic analysts, entrepreneurs, and members of the public, with many noting the important role small businesses play in Nigeria's informal economy.
Micro-enterprises remain one of the largest employers of labour in Nigeria, providing millions of jobs and serving as a foundation for economic growth in both rural and urban communities.
The remarks were made during a public empowerment engagement in Nigeria as part of ongoing initiatives aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and economic resilience.
The First Lady's message reinforces the importance of entrepreneurship as a practical solution to unemployment and financial hardship.
By promoting businesses that require relatively low startup costs, the initiative encourages more Nigerians to explore self-employment opportunities while reducing dependence on white-collar jobs.
The emphasis on micro-enterprises also aligns with national efforts to strengthen local economies, increase household incomes, and promote financial inclusion.
Economic experts have consistently identified small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as critical drivers of job creation, innovation, and national economic development.
Encouraging entrepreneurship at the grassroots level can stimulate local markets, improve food security, and create ripple effects that benefit communities nationwide.
"We're trying to give hope. To start akara business doesn't take too much money; to start roasting corn doesn't take much. We have encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. What is within our hands, I have given, and we will keep giving," said First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Small businesses contribute significantly to Nigeria's economy and provide employment opportunities for millions of citizens.
Government agencies and development partners continue to introduce various empowerment programmes, grants, vocational training, and financial inclusion initiatives designed to help entrepreneurs establish and expand businesses.
Experts believe that strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems through access to training, financing, mentorship, and market opportunities can significantly improve economic resilience and reduce poverty levels.
Women-led businesses and youth-owned enterprises have increasingly become important contributors to local economic development across Nigeria.
The First Lady's message encourages Nigerians to:
Consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path.
Start small businesses with available resources.
Build sustainable income through self-employment.
Explore government empowerment and skills acquisition programmes.
Develop financial independence through innovation and hard work.
For many young people and women, micro-enterprises offer an accessible pathway to economic empowerment and long-term financial stability.
As Nigeria continues to promote entrepreneurship and economic inclusion, initiatives that encourage small business development remain vital in creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and inspiring millions of Nigerians to build sustainable livelihoods.