Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her advice encouraging Nigerians, especially women, to start small businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli kuli.
She insisted that the Federal Government will not abandon its empowerment programmes despite public criticism.
The clarification came after her earlier remarks sparked widespread debate on social media.
Many Nigerians questioned whether such businesses could provide sustainable income in today’s technology-driven economy.
However, the First Lady maintained that small-scale businesses remain important sources of livelihood for many families.
Speaking during an event in Jigawa State on Monday, Remi Tinubu said the government’s economic support programmes are designed to help ordinary Nigerians grow their businesses. She stressed that the goal is to encourage financial independence through available opportunities across different sectors.
She explained that the empowerment initiative extends beyond akara sellers and includes traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and roasted plantains.
According to her, thousands of beneficiaries have already received financial support to expand their businesses.
She disclosed that the Federal Government has distributed N100 million in grants to small traders.
Each beneficiary reportedly received N50,000 to help recapitalise existing businesses and improve daily operations.
Furthermore, Tinubu said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots businesses instead of focusing only on large-scale enterprises.
Although her earlier comments attracted criticism from several Nigerians, she maintained that every honest business deserves respect.
Many critics argued that the country should encourage technology-based businesses capable of generating greater income for young people.
However, the First Lady believes Nigerians should also recognise opportunities that already exist within their communities.
She said the country’s natural resources and local markets remain largely untapped.
“Nigeria is a really blessed country. I’ve been travelling, and I pray that our young people will see the resources we have in this nation. We have not even gone to explore yet because we are thinking it’s oil. But there are so many things,” she said.
Moreover, she urged Nigerian youths to broaden their thinking and identify opportunities beyond the oil sector.
According to her, entrepreneurship should not be limited to one industry because several businesses can create wealth when managed properly.
She also noted that many successful entrepreneurs started with modest businesses before expanding into larger ventures.
Meanwhile, the debate surrounding her earlier advice has continued across different platforms.
Nevertheless, Tinubu insisted that the empowerment programme is intended to complement other economic opportunities rather than replace them.
She explained that financial support for petty traders remains necessary because many families depend on such businesses for survival.
In addition, she stressed that providing grants allows traders to increase stock, improve sales and gradually expand their operations.
The Remi Tinubu empowerment programme also seeks to encourage self-reliance while reducing economic hardship among vulnerable groups.
Therefore, supporting traders at the grassroots level could strengthen household incomes and stimulate local markets.
The First Lady maintained that the government would continue implementing programmes that empower ordinary Nigerians despite public criticism.
She encouraged young people to remain hopeful and explore different sectors where opportunities exist.
According to her, Nigeria possesses abundant resources capable of creating jobs and improving livelihoods if fully developed.
Furthermore, she urged citizens to take advantage of available opportunities instead of focusing only on traditional industries.
