By Paul Joseph
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday jokingly referred to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House in Abuja.
The President made the light-hearted remark while acknowledging guests at the event, saying, “Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” drawing laughter from the audience.
The nickname comes amid recent public discussions surrounding the First Lady’s comments encouraging Nigerian women to embrace small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, kuli-kuli and other petty trades through the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme.
Her remarks attracted criticism on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that the advice did not adequately address the country’s prevailing economic challenges.
Addressing the controversy earlier this week during the inauguration of the newly completed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, the First Lady clarified that the empowerment programme extends beyond akara sellers.
She explained that the Federal Government had released ₦100 million to the Jigawa State Government to support about 2,000 petty traders, including those dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other small businesses.
According to her, the initiative is designed to help beneficiaries expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
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