First Lady Oluremi Tinubu addresses backlash over her viral remarks about akara and small-scale food businesses, reiterating that petty traders and women should receive support. Speaking during the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State, she defends comments that linked empowerment to enabling grassroots entrepreneurs to earn livelihoods. Tinubu also says the burden of tackling poverty and supporting vulnerable communities should not fall only on the president.
Across reports, Tinubu appeals directly to Nigerian entertainers—including Davido, Burna Boy and Asake—to contribute to efforts aimed at helping less privileged people. She frames the role of celebrities as part of social responsibility through charitable foundations or similar support mechanisms. The sources agree that her message is meant to resolve the controversy by clarifying her intent: to promote financial backing for small traders and women, using the example of food vending businesses such as akara. The reports describe her stance as a renewed call for public-private and community-focused assistance to improve conditions for those at the bottom of the economic ladder.
