Remi Tinubu faces backlash over ‘akara, roasted corn’ business advice

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has drawn widespread public criticism following remarks suggesting that Nigerians could start small businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli with grant support provided through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Speaking after the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with the wives of state governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the First Lady said the programme provides grants—not loans—to empower beneficiaries to establish small-scale businesses.

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According to her, ventures such as frying akara, roasting corn or producing kuli-kuli require relatively little capital and can serve as viable sources of income for many Nigerians.

“Our aim is to give people hope. We didn’t give them loans; we gave them grants to help them start businesses,” she said.

The remarks, however, sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with many Nigerians arguing that the advice does not adequately address the country’s worsening economic conditions, rising inflation, unemployment and the increasing cost of living.

Critics said government interventions should focus on creating sustainable jobs, expanding access to affordable credit and implementing policies that stimulate economic growth rather than encouraging informal micro-businesses.

Others defended the First Lady, noting that many successful entrepreneurs started with small businesses and that the grants are intended to encourage self-reliance rather than replace broader economic reforms.

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During the briefing, Mrs. Tinubu also highlighted several humanitarian interventions carried out through the Renewed Hope Initiative, including financial support for healthcare, education, agriculture and vulnerable groups across the country.

The comments have since ignited a broader national conversation about poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship and the effectiveness of government empowerment programmes in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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