In recent days, Nigeria’s social and mainstream media have been awash with reactions to comments made by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in which she advised Nigerians to explore small-scale businesses such as making and selling akara (bean cakes), kuli-kuli (groundnut cakes), and roasted or boiled corn.
The remarks came at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with rising inflation, high food prices, and mounting economic hardship. Unsurprisingly, the comments sparked widespread debate, with many citizens describing them as insensitive to the realities faced by struggling families, while others defended the First Lady, arguing that her words were intended to encourage entrepreneurship, self-reliance and spirit of enterprise.
The comments quickly gained traction across social media platforms and conventional news outlets. Many Nigerians questioned whether such advice adequately reflected the challenges confronting citizens who are struggling to afford basic necessities. For critics, the issue was not the dignity of small businesses but whether encouraging people to sell snacks could be seen as an appropriate response to deepening economic quagmires.
On the other hand, supporters insist that the First Lady’s comments have been taken out of context. They argue that there is nothing demeaning about encouraging entrepreneurship, noting that countless successful businesses started from modest ventures. From this perspective, the advice was a call for resilience and creativity rather than a substitute for government economic policies.
Regardless of which side of the debate one supports, the controversy has reignited an important national conversation about the rising cost of living, food affordability, unemployment, and the impact of ongoing economic reforms. It has also highlighted the expectations Nigerians place on public officials to demonstrate empathy and offer practical solutions during difficult times.
There is no doubt that small businesses such as selling akara, kuli-kuli, or roasted corn provide livelihoods for thousands of Nigerians.
Across the country, many families have survived and even prospered through these enterprises. However, entrepreneurship alone cannot replace the need for comprehensive economic policies that create jobs, stabilize prices, improve purchasing power, and support small and medium-sized businesses with access to finance, infrastructure, and security.
Ultimately, the debate goes beyond akara, kuli-kuli, or corn. It raises broader questions about leadership, communication, and public expectations during periods of economic hardship and anxiety. Nigerians expect not only words of encouragement but also policies that address the root causes of their challenges.
Whether the First Lady intended to offer practical business advice or whether her comments were misunderstood remains open to interpretation. What is undeniable, however, is that the reactions reflect the frustrations, hopes, and expectations of over 200 million Nigerians seeking meaningful solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
The question, therefore, is not simply whether Nigerians should take the First Lady’s advice. Rather, it is whether such entrepreneurial suggestions should complement broader government efforts aimed at reducing the cost of living, creating sustainable jobs, and restoring economic confidence. That is a question every Nigerian is free to ponder on.
Rejoice Ettah is an IT student from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). She is currently undergoing her mandatory Industrial Training with CrossRiverWatch.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Rejoice Ettah, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.
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