First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has defended her recent remarks encouraging women to embrace small-scale businesses such as frying akara and roasting corn, insisting that her comments were aimed at promoting grassroots economic empowerment rather than diminishing the aspirations of Nigerians.
She made the clarification during the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The First Lady's earlier comments, made in June while discussing the Renewed Hope Initiative, sparked widespread reactions on social media, with critics arguing that the suggestion underestimated the severity of Nigeria's economic challenges and graduate unemployment.
Despite the backlash, Tinubu maintained that supporting petty traders remains an effective way of improving household incomes and reducing poverty.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu shifted attention to Nigeria's entertainment industry, calling on successful musicians and celebrities to establish charitable foundations that would provide direct support to vulnerable Nigerians.
She specifically mentioned internationally recognised artists including Davido, Burna Boy and Asake, urging them to use part of their wealth to improve the lives of the less privileged.
Referring to global music star Akon as an example, the First Lady praised his philanthropic activities and encouraged Nigerian entertainers to emulate similar initiatives.
She stressed that while owning luxury vehicles and enjoying financial success is commendable, giving back to society remains equally important.
Tinubu reiterated that the government's empowerment programmes target ordinary traders such as pepper sellers, vegetable vendors, melon sellers, okra sellers, akara fryers and kuli-kuli producers, arguing that these businesses provide sustainable livelihoods for many Nigerian families.
She described such occupations as legitimate enterprises deserving of financial support and recognition.
To reinforce her argument, the First Lady recounted the story of a university graduate in Abuja who reportedly turned to selling akara after struggling to secure formal employment.
According to her, the individual later received additional support through an intervention and has since expanded the business to employ about 12 workers, demonstrating the growth potential of small enterprises.
During the same visit to Kogi State, Tinubu also flagged off the distribution of grants and empowerment materials to more than 800 women under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She explained that the programme is designed to complement government efforts in promoting self-reliance, strengthening household incomes and supporting women, youths, children and persons living with disabilities.
The renewed defence of her earlier comments comes after weeks of intense public debate, with supporters describing the initiative as an encouragement of entrepreneurship while critics continue to argue that broader economic reforms are needed to address unemployment and rising living costs.
The discussion has since evolved into a wider national conversation on poverty alleviation, dignity of labour and the role of public figures in supporting vulnerable communities.