Remi Tinubu insists empowerment programme covers more than akara traders

Wife of Nigeria’s President, Ms Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her recent comments on empowering women through small-scale businesses, insisting that the Federal Government’s intervention extends beyond akara and roasted corn traders.

Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, Tinubu said the Renewed Hope empowerment programme also targets traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and roasted plantain, popularly known as ‘bole.’

Her clarification follows criticism on social media after she recently cited businesses such as akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as viable income-generating ventures for women despite the country’s prevailing economic hardship.

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Responding to the backlash, the First Lady disclosed that her office had provided N100 million to the Jigawa State government to support 2,000 petty traders under the programme.

“And I know they’ve been talking that I said akara. It’s not only akara, but we also have tomato sellers. We have bole, and those selling pepper, selling vegetables for us in the market. We’ll continue to empower them, add to their resources so that their trade can really be sustainable,” she said.

Tinubu explained that each beneficiary would receive N50,000 to recapitalise their businesses, noting that the initiative is designed to strengthen the sustainability of small enterprises.

She maintained that criticism of the programme would not discourage the government from continuing the intervention, saying those benefiting from the initiative appreciate its impact.

“I know all those people who are affected appreciate it. And we are not intimidated by all those wrong reports. But we are forging ahead and making sure that our people are well cared for,” she added.

Ms Tinubu also encouraged Nigerian youths to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture, arguing that the sector holds significant potential for economic growth beyond the country’s dependence on oil.

She referenced an orange orchard she recently visited in Benue State as evidence of the untapped opportunities available in the agricultural sector.