Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has sparked widespread debate after encouraging Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace small-scale businesses such as selling akara and roasted corn as a means of overcoming unemployment and economic hardship.
The remarks were made on Thursday during an empowerment programme in Abuja, where the First Lady stressed the importance of entrepreneurship, self-reliance and the dignity of labour. She urged citizens not to wait endlessly for white-collar employment opportunities but to explore available business options that could provide income and financial independence.
“Start small. Sell akara, sell roasted corn. There is dignity in labour,” she said while addressing participants at the event.
The comments quickly generated reactions across social media platforms, with supporters praising the First Lady for promoting a culture of hard work and enterprise. Many argued that numerous successful entrepreneurs began with modest ventures before building larger businesses and that her message encouraged resilience in difficult times.
Others, however, criticised the statement, describing it as disconnected from the realities facing many Nigerians. Critics argued that soaring inflation, rising operating costs, poor infrastructure and limited access to finance have made even small-scale businesses increasingly difficult to sustain. Some also contended that government officials should focus more on creating enabling economic conditions rather than suggesting informal trading as a solution to widespread unemployment.
The debate has reignited broader discussions about job creation, youth empowerment and the role of government in addressing economic challenges. Labour groups and economic analysts have repeatedly called for policies that stimulate investment, support small businesses and create sustainable employment opportunities.
The controversy comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with the effects of economic reforms, rising living costs and concerns over job availability. Social media users have remained divided, with some viewing the First Lady’s remarks as practical advice and others seeing them as insufficient in addressing systemic economic issues.
Regardless of the differing opinions, the statement has succeeded in drawing national attention to the challenges of unemployment and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s evolving economic environment.
