President Bola Tinubu drew laughter at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner after jokingly calling First Lady Oluremi Tinubu “Iya Alakara,” days after her comments on petty trading sparked widespread public debate. The president made the humorous remark as he acknowledged guests at the event, triggering laughter from the audience before proceeding with his address. The […]
President Bola Tinubu drew laughter at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner after jokingly calling First Lady Oluremi Tinubu “Iya Alakara,” days after her comments on petty trading sparked widespread public debate.
The president made the humorous remark as he acknowledged guests at the event, triggering laughter from the audience before proceeding with his address.
The nickname comes shortly after the First Lady encouraged Nigerian women to explore small businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli kuli under the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme.
Her comments attracted mixed reactions online, with critics arguing that the suggestion did not adequately reflect the country’s current economic challenges.
Responding to the criticism days later, the First Lady explained that the empowerment programme covers a wide range of petty traders, including those selling tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other market products.
She also revealed that the Federal Government donated ₦100 million to the Jigawa State Government to empower about 2,000 petty traders, stressing that the initiative is intended to strengthen small businesses and improve livelihoods.
The president’s lighthearted remark added a humorous touch to the ongoing public conversation surrounding the First Lady’s earlier comments.