President Bola Tinubu showcased his humorous side during a recent gathering in Abuja, playfully teasing the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with a nickname that raised both eyebrows and laughter from the audience.
A Lighthearted Moment at the State House
While delivering his address at the prestigious Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu paused during his protocol observations to acknowledge his wife. With a smile on his face, he broke the formal atmosphere by addressing her with a cheeky moniker.
“Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” the President said, prompting instant laughter and chatter from the distinguished guests in attendance.
The Story Behind the “Iya Alakara” Moniker
The nickname “Iya Alakara,” which translates to “Mama Akara Seller” (bean cake seller), was a direct, light-hearted reference to a recent controversy involving the First Lady. Senator Oluremi Tinubu had previously faced backlash from some Nigerians after she publicly advised low-income earners to explore small-scale entrepreneurship, such as selling akara, roasting corn, or making kuli-kuli (peanut cakes), as viable means of livelihood during tough economic times.
While her advice was intended to encourage resilience and self-reliance, critics on social media argued that the recommendation was out of touch with the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens. However, instead of avoiding the topic, the President chose to address the elephant in the room with good-natured humor, showing that the first family can take public banter in stride.
Laughter and Reactions
A video capturing the amusing moment quickly circulated online, showing President Tinubu grinning as he delivered the line, while the First Lady and guests reacted to the playful jab. The gesture has been viewed by many as a clever way to defuse political tension and humanize the presidency amid ongoing economic discussions in the country.