Tinubu calls First Lady 'Iya Alakara' at press dinner, referencing her akara business advice
President Bola Tinubu playfully called First Lady Oluremi Tinubu 'Iya Alakara' (Mother of Akara) at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja yesterday, referencing her recent advice for Nigerians to start small businesses like frying akara or roasting corn.
The remark drew laughter but referenced widespread criticism of the First Lady's comments, which many Nigerians said underestimated the country's worsening economic hardship and rising unemployment. Critics argued her suggestions overlooked structural economic challenges.
Speaking at the commissioning of Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall in Jigawa State days earlier, Oluremi Tinubu clarified her empowerment initiatives extend beyond akara sellers to include tomato, vegetable, pepper and bole (roasted plantain) traders, emphasizing her office provides grants not loans.
Social media reactions were split: some saw Tinubu's comment as acknowledging public criticism, while others viewed it as an attempt to inject humor into the controversy surrounding her economic advice during tough economic times.