Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her remarks on empowering Nigerians through small businesses, insisting that the government will continue supporting petty traders across the country. Her comments come after criticism followed a viral video in which she highlighted businesses such as akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as examples of ventures that require little capital.

Responding to the backlash, Mrs Tinubu said the administration’s empowerment programmes are not limited to akara sellers alone but also cover tomato, vegetable, pepper and boli traders. She maintained that the government remains committed to providing grants to support small-scale businesses in the informal sector.

The First Lady stressed that the administration would not be discouraged by criticism or what she described as “wrong reports.” According to her, beneficiaries of the empowerment initiatives appreciate the support, and the government will continue efforts to help small traders improve their livelihoods.