Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has come under intense public scrutiny after encouraging Nigerians to consider starting small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli with grants provided through the Renewed Hope Initiative, comments that have generated mixed reactions across social media and the political space.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with the wives of state governors in Abuja, “the First Lady said the programme was designed to provide grants—not loans—to help vulnerable Nigerians establish businesses requiring relatively small start-up capital. She cited ventures such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli as examples of enterprises beneficiaries could undertake to improve their livelihoods.”
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She also highlighted interventions by the initiative in healthcare, education, agriculture, ICT training and social investment, noting that financial support had been extended to programmes addressing tuberculosis, breast cancer and malnutrition.
A video of her remarks circulated widely online, triggering a wave of reactions from Nigerians with differing views on the message. Critics argued that the examples cited by the First Lady did not adequately reflect the scale of the country’s economic challenges, including rising inflation, unemployment and the high cost of living. Some commentators on social media described the remarks as disconnected from the realities confronting many households and questioned whether small-scale grants alone could address broader economic concerns.
Others, however, defended the First Lady, arguing that there is dignity in small businesses and noting that ventures such as akara production have historically provided income for thousands of Nigerian families. Supporters maintained that her comments were intended to encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance rather than diminish the economic difficulties many citizens currently face.
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They also pointed to the Renewed Hope Initiative’s broader interventions, which include scholarships, agricultural support, healthcare funding and digital skills training.
The Renewed Hope Initiative, launched after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, focuses on social welfare and economic empowerment through grants and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups.
According to the First Lady, the programme seeks to complement government efforts by supporting small businesses, expanding educational opportunities and improving access to healthcare and agricultural resources.
The debate comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with economic reforms that have significantly increased living costs for many households. Rising food prices, inflation and higher transportation expenses have intensified public discussion over the effectiveness of government interventions and the most appropriate strategies for supporting citizens and stimulating economic recovery.
Analysts say the reactions to the First Lady’s comments reflect wider public expectations for policies capable of generating sustainable employment, expanding access to finance and improving living standards.
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While the remarks have generated controversy, they have also reignited conversations about entrepreneurship, grassroots empowerment and the role of government-backed grants in promoting financial independence. Neither the Presidency nor the Renewed Hope Initiative had issued additional statements responding to the public reaction at the time of reporting.
