President Bola Tinubu jokingly referred to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” during a State House event, referencing the recent debate over her comments on small-scale businesses.
Iya Alakara
President Bola Tinubu sparked laughter at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja on Thursday after playfully referring to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller).
According to Punch, the President made the remark while acknowledging dignitaries at the State House event. Smiling as he observed protocol, Tinubu introduced his wife by saying, “My dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” drawing amused reactions from guests in attendance.
The nickname appears linked to the controversy surrounding the First Lady’s recent comments encouraging women to consider small-scale ventures such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli through the Renewed Hope Initiative’s empowerment programme.
Her remarks triggered widespread reactions online, with critics arguing they did not reflect the economic realities facing many Nigerians.
Days later, Oluremi Tinubu clarified that the programme was not focused solely on akara sellers. Speaking in Jigawa State, she said the initiative also supports traders dealing in tomatoes, peppers, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses. She added that the Federal Government had provided ₦100 million to empower 2,000 petty traders in the state.
Punch reported that the President’s remark came during a light-hearted moment at the dinner hosted for members of the Presidential Press Corps.
NEWS NOW:
