‘It’s Not Only Akara, We Are Not Intimidated’ – First Lady Tinubu Responds To Criticisms (Video)

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said the government will not listen to wrong reports and will continue to empower petty traders in the informal sector of the economy.

The First Lady made the declaration in response to recent criticisms that have trailed her statement on empowering Nigerians to start small businesses, such as akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli, which require little capital.

She responded to the critics while speaking on Monday in Jigawa State, where she announced a one-hundred-million-naira (₦100,000,000) support package for 2,000 female petty traders in Jigawa State, with each trader getting ₦50,000.

Naija News recalls that Mrs. Tinubu, while speaking with journalists in a video that is making rounds online, explained the administration’s support for small businesses through grants rather than loans.

However, her comment angered many netizens, who argued that the remarks were insulting and failed to reflect or address the economic challenges facing many Nigerians.

Reacting to the criticisms, Mrs Tinubu insisted that the current administration will not be intimidated and will continue to empower not just those interested in akara but also other small business activities, including tomato, vegetable and boli sellers.

In her words, “I know they have been talking. I said Akara, it’s not only Akara. We also have tomato sellers, we have Boli, and those selling pepper, selling vegetables in the market, we’ll continue to empower them.

“I know all those who are affected will appreciate it, and we are not intimidated by all those wrong reports.”

See the video.