President Bola Tinubu recently made headlines when he playfully addressed his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as "Iya Alakara" (Mama Akara Seller) during a public event. This lighthearted moment occurred at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House in Abuja. The incident took place amid a growing discussion around the First Lady's previous comments on small-scale businesses, particularly those involving the sale of akara, a traditional Nigerian dish made from bean flour.
Tinubu's remark, captured in a video shared by Aso Rock TV, was met with laughter from the audience. He introduced his wife with the nickname, highlighting the recent controversy surrounding her advocacy for small-scale entrepreneurship. The term "Iya Alakara," while seemingly humorous, underscored the sensitivity of the topic, especially considering the economic challenges currently faced by many Nigerians.
The controversy originated from the First Lady's suggestion that Nigerian women could benefit from engaging in small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli. She emphasized that such ventures require minimal initial investment, a claim that sparked mixed reactions across social media. While some praised her efforts to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship, others criticized her remarks as dismissive of the broader economic hardships experienced by many citizens.
In response to the backlash, the First Lady clarified that the government's empowerment program was not exclusive to akara sellers. During an event in Jigawa State, she detailed how the federal government had allocated N100 million to support 2,000 petty traders in the region. She reiterated that the initiative encompassed a wide array of small businesses, including tomato sellers, pepper vendors, and vegetable traders. Her aim was to ensure that these micro-enterprises received the necessary support to thrive and contribute positively to the local economy.
The discussions around the First Lady's comments have extended beyond mere economic implications. Critics argue that promoting such small-scale businesses might inadvertently reinforce societal stigmas associated with manual labor and entrepreneurship. However, supporters highlight the importance of recognizing the informal sector's role in sustaining livelihoods and fostering economic resilience.
As the conversation unfolds, it becomes evident that the debate reflects deeper societal values and perceptions regarding work, dignity, and economic stability. The First Lady's approach seeks to bridge the gap between formal economic structures and the informal sector, aiming to provide opportunities for those who may otherwise feel excluded from traditional avenues of success. This dialogue underscores the complexities of addressing economic disparities while promoting inclusive growth and self-sufficiency within Nigeria's diverse socio-economic landscape.
5 reports
The PunchIndependentCenteryesterdayPresident Bola Tinubu playfully nicknamed his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, 'Iya Alakara' (Mama Akara Seller) during a speech at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner, referencing her advocacy for small-scale businesses. This came after the First Lady promoted initiatives like the Renewed Hope Initiative, which supports petty traders including akara sellers. The nickname sparked online backlash, with critics arguing it trivialized economic struggles. In response, the First Lady clarified that the empowerment program included various small businesses beyond akara, citing a N100 million donation to support 2,000 petty traders in Jigawa State.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the playful nickname and the subsequent criticism, offering balanced coverage of the incident and the First Lady's clarification. While there is some public reaction, the framing remains neutral, avoiding overtly positive or negative slant toward either the President or the
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenteryesterdayPresident Bola Tinubu humorously referred to his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as 'Iya Alakara' (meaning 'mother of akara') during a public event, referencing her previous comments on promoting small-scale businesses like akara selling. The remarks were made at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja and drew laughter from attendees. This came after the First Lady encouraged Nigerian women to engage in petty trading as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which sparked online criticism for appearing dismissive of the nation's economic challenges. In response, the First Lady clarified that the program supports a wide range of small traders, not just akara sellers, and noted that the government has allocated funds to assist 2,000 petty traders in Jigawa State.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the president's humorous remark and the first lady's clarification regarding the economic empowerment program. It includes perspectives from critics and the first lady's defense, offering balanced coverage without overtly favoring one side.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenteryesterday Akara, kulikuli and our disconnection from reality, by Adekunle AdekoyaThe article discusses the controversy sparked by remarks made by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who encouraged women to engage in small-scale businesses such as frying akara (a traditional Nigerian fritter), roasting corn, and making kulikuli (groundnut-based snacks). The comments went viral on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, leading to humorous skits and memes, some of which used artificial intelligence. While some viewed the advice as practical and relevant, others criticized it as unrealistic, particularly given the economic challenges faced by many Nigerians. The author argues that these activities are not new but rather deeply rooted in local traditions and have historically supported livelihoods across Western Nigeria. Examples of successful akara and kulikuli vendors are provided, highlighting the potential for these ventures to contribute to economic stability.
Bias read (Center): While the article addresses a politically sensitive issue involving the First Family, it does not overtly favor any particular political ideology. Instead, it presents a balanced view by acknowledging both the public reaction and the historical significance of the recommended activities. The tone is
The PunchIndependentRight4 days ago Olodo uprising: Tinubu’s aide faults critics of First Lady’s Akara, Kuli kuli commentDada Olusegun, a special assistant to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, has defended the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, against criticism of her efforts to empower micro-traders through the Renewed Hope Initiative. He accused critics of misunderstanding the significance of supporting informal sector workers like akara and kulikuli sellers, arguing that such individuals play a crucial role in Nigeria's economy. Olusegun highlighted several initiatives funded by the First Lady, including donations to health programs, financial aid for military widows and orphans, and grants for persons with disabilities. He criticized online detractors for spreading misinformation and failing to research the context behind the government's policies.
Bias read (Right): The article frames the criticism of the First Lady's initiatives as misinformed and dismissive of the informal economy's importance, emphasizing government achievements while portraying critics as uninformed. This framing aligns with a pro-government perspective, highlighting the administration's 'g
The PunchIndependentCenter5 days ago My mother trained me selling akara, bananas, Tinubu’s aide backs First Lady’s remarksThe Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, defended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu after her comments encouraging Nigerians to pursue low-capital businesses like selling akara, roasting corn, and making 'kuli-kuli' sparked public backlash. Tinubu made the remarks during a Renewed Hope Initiative meeting in Abuja, emphasizing that such ventures require minimal investment and offering direct financial grants to support beneficiaries. Critics accused her of being out of touch due to rising living costs and inflation. Dare countered by sharing his own background as the son of a petty trader, highlighting the role of the informal economy in Nigeria's resilience and urging people to respect small-scale trade as a path out of poverty. He emphasized that Tinubu's message aimed to foster entrepreneurship among youth, not to trap them in petty trading permanently.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the criticisms of the First Lady's remarks and the defense provided by Sunday Dare, including personal anecdotes and arguments from both sides. It does not exhibit clear bias toward one perspective over another, maintaining a balanced tone throughout.
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