Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her recent comments on petty trading, clarifying that the Federal Government’s empowerment initiatives are not limited to akara sellers but also cover traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other small-scale businesses.
She made the clarification on Monday during the inauguration of the newly completed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State.
Responding to criticism that followed her earlier remarks about akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli sellers, the First Lady said the government’s support targets a broad range of petty traders across the country.
According to her, the Federal Government has already provided ₦100 million to the Jigawa State Government to empower 2,000 women engaged in small businesses.
“Because of the atmosphere and what is going on, we have already donated about ₦100 million to empower 2,000 petty traders in the state,” she said.
Addressing the controversy surrounding her previous comments, Tinubu added, “People have been saying I mentioned only akara. It’s not only akara. We also have tomato sellers, boole sellers, pepper sellers and vegetable sellers in the market. We will continue to empower them and strengthen their businesses so they can become sustainable.”
She explained that each beneficiary would receive ₦50,000 to help recapitalise and expand their businesses.
“The 2,000 women already engaged in small businesses will each receive ₦50,000 to recapitalise their businesses. The ₦100 million has already been provided,” she stated.
The First Lady maintained that public criticism would not discourage the administration from implementing its empowerment programmes.
“Those who benefit from these interventions appreciate them. We are not intimidated by negative reports. We will continue moving forward to ensure our people are properly supported,” she said.
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s vast economic potential beyond crude oil, urging young people to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and other sectors.
“Nigeria is richly blessed. As I travel across the country, I see enormous resources that have not been fully explored because many people focus only on oil. There are many other opportunities waiting to be developed,” she said.
