Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has sparked widespread reactions on X after stating that starting small businesses such as akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli requires little capital.
Speaking in a video shared on X while highlighting the Federal Government’s support for small businesses through grants, the First Lady said the administration had encouraged Nigerians by providing financial assistance without requiring repayment.
“To start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn or kuli-kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan, we gave them a grant. We have encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. I also gave to several others.”
Her remarks quickly drew mixed reactions on X, with many users arguing that the comments did not reflect the economic realities facing millions of Nigerians.
An X user, @Susan, described the statement as insulting.
“This is an insult to Nigerians and these people needs to be put in their places! The country needs to be made ungovernable for them.”
Another user, @DedeHydra, accused the administration of being disconnected from the hardship experienced by ordinary Nigerians.
“Nigerians from different tribes and religions, this is you guys’ fault. You see what a First Lady is telling your mothers, wives and daughters. She and Tinubu is going to increase your suffering seven times if you don’t vote them out.”
Similarly, @YanaOffycial criticised the First Lady’s remarks, writing, “It’s now clear. The husband don corrupt the wife finish. Nothing remain again. If these people are to come back for second term, I swear to God, it will be disastrous.”
Another X user, PoliticalPhoenix, argued that the grants being distributed could not solve Nigeria’s broader economic challenges.
“Remi Tinubu giving small grants for akara and roasted corn while her husband’s policies have destroyed millions of businesses and pushed Nigerians into extreme poverty? This is not hope – it’s crumbs from the table they shattered. Fuel prices, inflation and hardship remain unbearable. Nigerians need real economic recovery, not PR grants.”
Also reacting, @MrEazzy wrote, “When your husband fails in 2027, we’ll ensure you and your children start Akara and Kuli-Kuli business on the coastal expressway. Can’t you guys just make sense for once?”
DonC also faulted the First Lady’s comments, saying they reflected a lack of ambition for Nigerian youths.
“When your First Lady has the mentality that you are not supposed to be innovators, engineers and young entrepreneurs, it shows they have absolutely nothing to offer. You judge one’s intelligence by the ideas they offer. This family never disappoints in committing blunders.”
However, some users defended the First Lady, arguing that selling akara is a legitimate and profitable business.
Responding to the criticism, @Akikanju wrote, “Akara business is one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria. Start-up cost is the lowest and the profit margin is over 50 percent.
“Akara sellers sent many kids like you to universities, built houses, bought cars and provided good quality of life.
“Sadly, many Nigerian youths lack the mental and physical capacity to explore and engage the immense opportunities around them. You are doing yourselves, not the First Lady.”
