Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has come under criticism on social media after encouraging Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as viable means of livelihood.
Speaking after the Renewed Hope Initiative’s second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu explained that beneficiaries received grants rather than loans to help them establish businesses requiring minimal startup capital.
She said the initiative was designed to offer hope and support vulnerable Nigerians through financial assistance.
However, her remarks triggered mixed reactions online, with some users describing them as evidence of a disconnect between the nation’s leadership and the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
One X user argued that the comments reflected how detached the ruling class had become, while another contrasted the initiative with private-sector efforts focused on equipping people with skills capable of building long-term careers in cybersecurity.
