Remi Tinubu Defends Akara Remarks, Urges Davido, Burna Boy, Asake to Support the Poor
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her recent comments encouraging small-scale businesses such as akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli trading, while appealing to leading Nigerian entertainers to use their wealth to support vulnerable citizens.
Speaking at a public event, the First Lady urged Afrobeats stars Davido, Burna Boy and Asake to establish charitable foundations that would provide assistance to the less privileged across the country.”I want to appeal to our young people in this country. Burna Boy, Asake and Davido, we want to see you come together under one foundation to help the poor with your money. The Maybachs and Rolls-Royces are good, but you can still help. The burden on the government is huge,” she said.
Her latest remarks come weeks after she faced criticism over comments suggesting that Nigerians could consider low-capital businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as a means of earning a living. The comments sparked widespread debate on social media, with critics arguing that they did not adequately address the country’s economic challenges.
Responding to the backlash, the First Lady maintained that there is dignity in honest work and explained that her remarks were intended to encourage entrepreneurship through the Renewed Hope Initiative. She noted that the programme provides grants—not loans—to help small business owners start or expand their businesses.To illustrate her point, Oluremi Tinubu recounted the story of a graduate in Abuja who turned to selling akara after struggling to secure employment.
According to her, support was later provided to help the entrepreneur expand the business, which now employs about 12 people. She said the example demonstrates how small businesses can grow into sustainable enterprises when given the necessary support.The First Lady also emphasized that successful entertainers and other wealthy Nigerians have an important role to play in supporting society through philanthropy. She cited international singer Akon as an example of a celebrity known for charitable initiatives and encouraged Nigerian stars to make similar contributions.
Her appeal has generated mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians welcomed the call for greater private-sector and celebrity involvement in social welfare, others argued that addressing poverty remains primarily the responsibility of government through effective economic policies and job creation.
Despite the differing opinions, the remarks have reignited conversations about philanthropy, entrepreneurship and the role of public figures in supporting vulnerable communities during difficult economic times.
