FG supporting more than akara sellers-First Lady

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pushed back at criticism of  her recent remarks encouraging Nigerian women to invest in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), saying the Federal Government’s empowerment programmes extend far beyond akara businesses.

Mrs Tinubu came under criticism after advising women to consider ventures such as selling akara, roasted corn (boole) and kulikuli as viable means of earning a living.

Responding to the criticism, the First Lady said the government’s support covers a wide range of petty traders, including tomato, pepper and vegetable sellers, stressing that the aim is to strengthen grassroots businesses and improve livelihoods.

“I know they have been talking that I said akara. It is not only akara. We also have tomato sellers, we have boole and those selling pepper, selling vegetables for us in the markets. We will continue to empower them, so that their trade can be sustainable. So that is what we are doing,” she said.

Speaking during an empowerment programme in Jigawa State, Mrs Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government had released N100 million to support 2,000 women engaged in small-scale businesses in the state.
According to her, each beneficiary will receive N50,000 to recapitalise and expand her enterprise.

“We continue to carry capacity. We have identified 2,000 women already in small businesses, and they will recapitalize their business with the N50,000. We have already given the N100 million,” she stated.

The First Lady maintained that the government would not be discouraged by criticism, insisting that the empowerment initiative was making a positive impact on beneficiaries.

“I know all those people who are affected, they do appreciate it And we are not intimidated by all those wrong reports.  affected appreciate what we are doing. We are forging ahead  and making sure that our people are well cared for,”  the First Lady stated further.

Mrs Tinubu also urged young Nigerians to explore the country’s vast agricultural and natural resources, citing an orange orchard she recently visited in Benue State as evidence of the immense opportunities available beyond the oil sector.