Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has clarified her recent remarks on small-scale businesses, stressing that the Federal Government’s economic empowerment programmes are not limited to akara (bean cake) sellers but also cover a wide range of petty traders across the country.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, the First Lady said the administration’s intervention programmes are designed to support grassroots entrepreneurs, including traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other small businesses.
According to a video of the event aired by TVC News, Senator Tinubu explained that her earlier comments, which sparked debate on social media, were intended to highlight the importance of empowering informal businesses that provide livelihoods for millions of Nigerians.
She noted that the Federal Government, through various empowerment initiatives, is committed to improving the economic well-being of women and vulnerable groups by providing financial support, grants and business opportunities aimed at expanding their enterprises and boosting household incomes.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to view the programmes in their broader context, emphasizing that the interventions are inclusive and targeted at different categories of small-scale entrepreneurs across the country.
Her clarification comes amid widespread reactions to her earlier reference to akara sellers, with critics and supporters expressing differing opinions on the scope and effectiveness of the government’s empowerment initiatives.
The event in Jigawa formed part of Senator Tinubu’s official engagements in the state, where she reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting economic inclusion, supporting women-led businesses and strengthening community development through sustainable empowerment programmes.Suggested SEO
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