Remi Tinubu Sparks Nationwide Debate After Urging Nigerians to Start Akara, Corn and Kulikuli Businesses

A fresh wave of debate has swept across Nigeria after First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu encouraged citizens to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kulikuli as a way to earn a living amid the country’s economic challenges.

Mrs Tinubu made the remarks while speaking with journalists after the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with the wives of state governors at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, June 24. A video of her comments surfaced online on Friday and quickly generated widespread reactions across social media platforms.

Explaining the government’s support for grassroots empowerment, the First Lady said many beneficiaries had received grants rather than loans to help them start small businesses. She stressed that launching ventures such as selling akara, roasting corn or producing kulikuli requires relatively little capital and could provide a source of income for many Nigerians.

“We are trying to give people hope, and it doesn’t cost much to start an akara business. Roasting corn or even making kulikuli doesn’t require a lot of money. We didn’t give them loans; we gave them grants. We have encouraged Nigerians in the best way we can. What is within our power, I have given, and I will continue to give,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu also highlighted several humanitarian interventions she has personally supported. According to her, she donated N2 billion to tuberculosis programmes after learning about the growing number of cases, N1 billion to breast cancer initiatives and N500 million towards tackling food malnutrition. She added that her office has also supported scholarships, ICT training, agricultural projects and other social investment programmes.

The First Lady urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country’s economic difficulties. She said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is designed to restore confidence and encourage resilience among citizens.

“The narrative has changed and has become a challenge for the average Nigerian, but people must not lose hope. We must renew our hope, and that is exactly what the Renewed Hope Agenda represents. Nigerians should not give up. We are a very proud nation,” she added.

Her comments, however, have divided public opinion. Supporters argue that she was simply encouraging entrepreneurship and reminding Nigerians that every honest means of earning a living deserves respect. They believe self-employment remains an important option, especially during difficult economic times.

Critics, on the other hand, say the remarks appear disconnected from the realities facing millions of Nigerians. They argue that many citizens are struggling with soaring inflation, rising food prices, unemployment and declining purchasing power. For them, the priority should be creating sustainable jobs, expanding economic opportunities and improving living standards rather than encouraging petty trading as a solution to widespread hardship.

The conversation has also reignited a broader discussion about government messaging during periods of economic hardship, with many Nigerians questioning whether official statements adequately reflect the aspirations of young people seeking skilled employment, business growth and long-term financial stability.