The recent backlash against Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, over her remarks encouraging Nigerians to consider businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli has once again demonstrated how easily public comments can be misunderstood in today’s social media era.
While many critics interpreted her statement as insensitive to the country’s economic hardship, others believe her message has been taken out of context.
When she was speaking about the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady explained that the program provides grants—not loans—to help vulnerable Nigerians establish small businesses. Her emphasis was that entrepreneurship does not always require huge capital before it can begin. Unfortunately, the focus quickly shifted from the empowerment program itself to a few examples she used to illustrate her point.
The truth is that there is absolutely nothing shameful about selling akara, roasted corn, kuli-kuli, or any other legitimate product. Across Nigeria, thousands of families have built successful lives through small businesses. Many parents who started with roadside trading have raised responsible children, sponsored university education, built houses, and created jobs for others.
Indeed, countless Nigerians can proudly testify that they were trained in primary school, secondary school, and even universities through proceeds from humble businesses. There are parents who sold akara every morning, roasted corn every evening, or traded in local markets just to ensure their children never lacked an education. Their stories are living proof that honest labour remains one of the strongest foundations for success.
Rather than ridicule such occupations, society should celebrate the resilience, discipline, and determination they represent. Every successful entrepreneur begins somewhere. What starts as a roadside business today will grow into a thriving enterprise tomorrow with consistency, good management, and access to support, which was the First Lady’s perspective in that interview.
However, it would also be unfair to conclude that the First Lady was suggesting that every Nigerian should become an akara seller. Her remarks were made in the context of discussing grants for small-scale entrepreneurship, using examples of businesses that traditionally require relatively low start-up capital.
Nigeria’s greatest strength has always been the resilience of its people. From farmers to artisans, traders to transporters, millions of citizens have demonstrated that honest work can transform families and communities.
Dignity in labour should never become a subject of mockery simply because of political disagreements.
Public officials must continue to communicate with empathy and clarity, especially during difficult economic times. At the same time, citizens should strive to judge public statements within their full context rather than through short viral clips circulating on social media.
There is honor in every honest job. Whether one sells akara, roasted corn, vegetables, electronics, or runs a technology company, success comes from integrity, perseverance, and opportunity. The stories of countless Nigerian parents who sacrificed through small businesses to educate their children remain powerful reminders that no legitimate work is too small to build a great future.
Beyond the debate, those who have followed Senator Remi Tinubu’s years of public service and humanitarian work argue that her remarks reflect her long-held belief in the dignity of honest labour and grassroots empowerment, not a desire to diminish the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
As a pastor and a leader known for championing initiatives aimed at supporting women, youth, and vulnerable families, her message can be seen as consistent with her conviction that every individual deserves an opportunity to build a better life through legitimate means.
The same vision of progress she desires for Nigeria is one she has consistently expressed for its people: that every citizen should have the chance to become self-reliant, productive, and hopeful about the future. In that light, her words should be viewed not as an endorsement of poverty, but as an encouragement to embrace honest enterprise while the government and society continue working toward broader economic growth and lasting prosperity.