Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has addressed the recent social media backlash over her comments on petty traders, clarifying that the Federal Government’s financial support programs extend far beyond bean cake (“akara”) sellers to include a diverse range of market women and small-scale business owners.
Expanding Support Beyond Akara Sellers
Speaking on Monday during the commissioning of the Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, the First Lady clarified her earlier remarks. Her previous references to “akara,” roasted corn, and “kuli-kuli” vendors had sparked widespread criticism online, with some accusing the administration of trivializing Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
In her address, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that the administration’s economic safety nets are designed for a broad spectrum of petty traders. “It is not only akara. We also support tomato sellers, those who sell roasted plantain (‘bole’), and those who sell pepper and vegetables for us in the markets,” she explained.
N100 Million Allocated for Jigawa Petty Traders
To back her statements with action, the First Lady announced that the Federal Government has donated N100 million to the Jigawa State Government. This funding is earmarked specifically to empower 2,000 local petty traders, primarily women, to help boost their businesses amidst difficult economic conditions.
Under this initiative, each selected beneficiary is expected to receive a grant of N50,000 to recapitalize and sustain their micro-businesses. According to Mrs. Tinubu, the administration remains undeterred by the criticism trailing its empowerment strategies.
“We are not intimidated by wrong reports. We are forging ahead to make sure that our people are well cared for,” she added, asserting that the beneficiaries themselves appreciate the direct impact of these interventions.
Exploring Nigeria’s Wealth Beyond Oil
Beyond immediate economic relief, the First Lady urged young Nigerians to look beyond the petroleum sector for economic opportunities. Pointing to the country’s vast and largely untapped agricultural potential, she recalled her visit to a massive orange orchard in Benue State as proof of Nigeria’s natural wealth.
She encouraged the youth to venture into agriculture and local production, noting that the country is blessed with resources waiting to be explored.
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