A light-hearted exchange between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu drew laughter and applause in Abuja on Friday after the President playfully referred to his wife as “Iya Alakara.”
The remark came during an event where the President was acknowledging the First Lady’s contributions to women and youth empowerment programmes, particularly her advocacy for entrepreneurship and support for small-scale businesses.
Speaking before guests at the gathering, Tinubu praised his wife’s commitment to grassroots development and economic empowerment, noting that her initiatives have continued to encourage self-reliance among Nigerians, especially women and young people.
In a moment that quickly captured the attention of the audience, the President jokingly nicknamed her “Iya Alakara,” a Yoruba expression loosely associated with a woman known for selling akara, a popular bean cake widely consumed across Nigeria.
The comment sparked laughter across the venue, with attendees responding warmly to the humorous exchange between the presidential couple.
Responding in good spirit, the First Lady accepted the nickname with a smile and reiterated her dedication to programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for Nigerians.
She stressed the importance of entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic independence and encouraged young people to develop practical skills that can help them build sustainable sources of income.
Shortly after the event, clips of the exchange circulated widely on social media, attracting reactions from Nigerians who described the moment as refreshing and relatable.
Many users viewed the interaction as a rare glimpse into the personal side of the nation’s First Family, with some praising the couple for displaying warmth and affection in public.
Political observers say such moments often resonate with citizens because they humanise public officials who are usually associated with policy debates and governance matters.
While the event focused primarily on empowerment and economic inclusion, it was the President’s humorous remark that became one of the most talked-about highlights of the day.
The incident underscores how simple moments of humour can capture public attention and generate widespread conversation beyond the formal business of government.
