First Lady Defends Viral ‘Akara’ Comment, Says Celebrities Should Invest More in People Than Luxury Cars

ABUJA, Nigeria. Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her controversial remarks encouraging Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli, insisting that her comments were intended to promote self-reliance rather than minimize the country’s economic hardship.

Speaking amid continued criticism over the viral remarks, the First Lady said many Nigerians had misunderstood the context of her statement, explaining that she was referring to the Federal Government’s empowerment programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which provides grants, not loans, to help vulnerable Nigerians establish small businesses.

Her original comments, made after a meeting with wives of state governors at the Presidential Villa, highlighted low-capital businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn, and producing kuli-kuli as examples of entrepreneurs could start with government grants. The remarks quickly triggered widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that they failed to reflect the severity of the country’s rising cost of living.

Addressing the backlash, Senator Tinubu expanded her message by urging successful entertainers, business leaders and affluent Nigerian artists like Davido and Burna Boy to dedicate more of their resources to helping poor and vulnerable citizens.

She argued that many influential Nigerians spend enormous amounts of money purchasing luxury vehicles and other expensive assets, but could make a greater social impact by funding education, healthcare, food support, skills acquisition programmes, and community development projects for struggling families.

According to the First Lady, individuals blessed with wealth and influence have a moral responsibility to complement government efforts by investing in people rather than focusing solely on displays of affluence.

Without singling out anyone for criticism, she stressed that buying multiple luxury cars while many Nigerians struggle to meet basic needs sends the wrong message, urging celebrities and wealthy individuals to become stronger partners in tackling poverty.

Her comments have reignited a national conversation about the role of philanthropy in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Supporters argue that many celebrities, including Davido, have repeatedly donated millions of naira to orphanages, hospitals and other charitable causes, demonstrating that private citizens can play an important role in supporting vulnerable communities.