ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu on Thursday drew laughter at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner after jokingly referring to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” (Mother of Akara Seller), a playful remark widely seen as a response to the recent public debate sparked by her comments encouraging women to embrace small-scale businesses.
The President made the remark while acknowledging dignitaries at the State House banquet in Abuja.
“Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” Tinubu said, prompting laughter from guests at the event.
The nickname comes days after the First Lady faced criticism for suggesting that women could start businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli under the Renewed Hope Initiative, stating that such ventures require little capital to begin.
Her comments generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that the advice failed to reflect the economic realities facing millions of citizens struggling with inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
Responding to the criticism earlier this week during an event in Jigawa State, the First Lady clarified that the government’s empowerment programme extends beyond akara vendors.
She explained that beneficiaries also include traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses, adding that the initiative provides grants not loans to help small-scale entrepreneurs expand their businesses.
Oluremi Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government had provided ₦100 million to support the empowerment of 2,000 petty traders in Jigawa State, insisting that the programme is designed to improve livelihoods across different sectors of the informal economy.
The President’s humorous reference has since reignited conversations online, with supporters describing it as a light-hearted moment, while critics say it has revived debate over the government’s messaging on economic empowerment amid prevailing hardship.
