First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has come under severe criticism on social media after suggesting that Nigerians can start small businesses such as frying akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli with little capital.
The remarks, made while explaining the Federal government’s efforts to support small businesses through grant programmes, triggered a wave of reactions on X, with many users accusing the First Lady of being out of touch with the economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians.
Speaking in a video that emerged on Friday, Remi Tinubu said the administration has chosen to provide grants instead of loans to help Nigerians establish small businesses.
She said: “To start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn or kuli-kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan, we gave them a grant. We have encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. I also gave to several others.”
Her comments quickly generated widespread reactions, with many users arguing that the advice failed to reflect the hardship, inflation and rising cost of living currently affecting many households.
One X user, @Susan, described the remarks as insulting.
“This is an insult to Nigerians and these people needs to be put in their places! The country needs to be made ungovernable for them.”
Another user, @DedeHydra, blamed Nigerians for electing the current administration, saying the comments showed a disconnect from the suffering of ordinary citizens.
“Nigerians from different tribes and religions, this is you guys’ fault. You see what a First Lady is telling your mothers, wives and daughters. She and Tinubu is going to increase your suffering seven times if you don’t vote them out.”
Also reacting, @YanaOffycial said the First Lady’s comments reflected poorly on the administration.
“It’s now clear. The husband don corrupt the wife finish. Nothing remain again. If these people are to come back for second term, I swear to God, it will be disastrous.”
Another user, PoliticalPhoenix, argued that the grants being distributed could not address the country’s wider economic crisis.
“Remi Tinubu giving small grants for akara and roasted corn while her husband’s policies have destroyed millions of businesses and pushed Nigerians into extreme poverty? This is not hope – it’s crumbs from the table they shattered. Fuel prices, inflation and hardship remain unbearable. Nigerians need real economic recovery, not PR grants.”
Similarly, @MrEazzy criticised the remarks, writing:
“When your husband fails in 2027, we’ll ensure you and your children start Akara and Kuli-Kuli business on the coastal expressway. Can’t you guys just make sense for once?”
Another user, DonC, said the comments suggested the government lacked a broader vision for young Nigerians.
“When your First Lady has the mentality that you are not supposed to be innovators, engineers and young entrepreneurs, it shows they have absolutely nothing to offer. You judge one’s intelligence by the ideas they offer. This family never disappoints in committing blunders.”
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism.
Defending the First Lady, @Akikanju argued that selling akara remains a respectable and profitable business capable of transforming lives.
“Akara business is one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria. Start-up cost is the lowest and the profit margin is over 50 percent. Akara sellers sent many kids like you to universities, built houses, bought cars and provided good quality of life. Sadly, many Nigerian youths lack the mental and physical capacity to explore and engage the immense opportunities around them. You are doing yourselves, not the First Lady.”
The exchange has continued to generate debate online, with supporters and critics divided over whether the First Lady’s comments were practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs or evidence of a disconnect between the country’s leadership and the daily realities facing many Nigerians.
- Media Report