Remi Tinubu stands by akara advice for unemployed women despite youth backlash

According to Nigerian First, Nigerian First Lady Remi Tinubu defended her suggestion that unemployed women take up akara frying for survival, saying critics weren't intimidating her efforts. Speaking in Jigawa State on Monday, June 28, she clarified her office supports various petty traders including tomato, maize and vegetable sellers, not just akara vendors. "I know the beneficiaries appreciate it," she stated, dismissing criticisms as "wrong reports."

The advice, shared in a viral video, sparked anger among Nigerian youths who accused her of disregarding their struggles amid high unemployment. Critics like APC chieftain Ayekooto and activist Joe Igbokwe publicly rejected the suggestion, arguing it ignores systemic economic challenges facing youths.

Her office claims they're also supporting tomato sellers, maize sellers and vegetable sellers beyond just akara vendors. This highlights the tension between government palliative suggestions and youth demands for substantive job creation policies in Africa's largest economy.

With youth unemployment remaining a critical national issue, do you believe vocational suggestions like akara vending address real needs, or should government focus more on structural job creation and industrialization?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/30/akara-business-were-not-intimidated-remi-tinubu-breaks-silence/