First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has defended her earlier remarks on empowering women through small-scale businesses, insisting that grassroots entrepreneurship remains a practical pathway to economic independence. During the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State, she also made a Remi Tinubu charity appeal to Nigeria’s entertainment stars, urging them to establish foundations that support poor and vulnerable citizens.
Addressing participants at the programme on Saturday, Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to the Renewed Hope Initiative, which provides financial support to small-scale traders. Her comments followed criticism that greeted her June remarks suggesting government grants could help women establish businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli.
Despite the backlash, the First Lady maintained that petty traders deserve support because of the important role they play in local economies. She listed pepper sellers, vegetable vendors, okra traders, melon sellers and akara sellers among those benefiting from the empowerment initiative.
“There are pepper sellers, there are vegetable sellers, there are okra sellers, melon sellers, akara sellers. Akara is delicious, I can tell you that.”
As part of her Remi Tinubu charity appeal, the First Lady called on successful entertainers to use part of their wealth to establish charitable foundations. She referenced international music icon Akon as an example of an entertainer known for philanthropy before mentioning Nigerian artistes including Burna Boy, Asake and Davido.
“They make the Burna Boys of this world, the Asakes, all of them, Davido, we want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money.” According to her, owning luxury vehicles should not prevent wealthy celebrities from investing in humanitarian causes.
“Good cars are good, a Maybach is good, a Rolls-Royce is good, but still, you can help.”
The First Lady also recounted the story of a graduate in Abuja who reportedly turned to selling akara after being unable to secure paid employment. She said support was quietly provided to expand the business, enabling the entrepreneur to employ more workers. According to Tinubu, the beneficiary now operates a larger business with 12 employees.
Tinubu’s comments on petty trading generated widespread public debate in June, with some critics arguing that the proposal underestimated the economic challenges facing many Nigerians.
The remarks also prompted reactions from groups, including the Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmọ́ Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, which described the suggestion as inadequate in addressing women’s economic struggles. Despite the criticism, the First Lady has continued the programme. During a visit to Jigawa State in June, she distributed ₦50,000 grants to 2,000 petty traders, maintaining that the initiative would continue to support grassroots entrepreneurs across the country.
