First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has defended her recent comments on small-scale businesses, saying the Federal Government's empowerment programmes are not limited to akara sellers but also cover traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and roasted plantain.
She spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia's Palace in Jigawa State.
Her remarks come days after she faced criticism on social media over comments referencing akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli businesses, with some Nigerians saying they did not reflect the country's economic realities.
Responding to the backlash, Tinubu said the Federal Government had already provided N100 million to the Jigawa State Government to support 2,000 petty traders.
"I know they've been talking that I said akara. It's not only akara. We also have tomato sellers. We have boole, and those also selling pepper and vegetables in the market," she said.
She explained that the intervention is intended to strengthen small businesses by providing additional capital.
According to the First Lady, each of the 2,000 beneficiaries will receive N50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.
Tinubu also said the criticism would not stop the government from continuing its empowerment programmes.
"We are not intimidated by all those wrong reports. We are forging ahead and making sure that our people are well cared for," she said.
She further urged young Nigerians to explore opportunities beyond the oil sector, pointing to Nigeria's agricultural potential and other untapped resources.
