Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her recent comments about supporting akara sellers, saying the Federal Government’s empowerment programme is not limited to one type of business.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the newly built Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, Mrs Tinubu said the government is supporting many small traders, including those who sell tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and roasted plantain.
Her clarification comes after many Nigerians criticised her earlier remarks about akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli sellers, with some saying the comments did not reflect the country’s economic reality.
Responding to the criticism, the First Lady said the Federal Government had already given N100 million to the Jigawa State Government to empower 2,000 petty traders.
She explained that each beneficiary would receive N50,000 to help grow their businesses.
“It is not only akara sellers. We also have tomato sellers, boole sellers, pepper sellers and those selling vegetables in the market. We will continue to support them so their businesses can be sustainable,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu added that the criticism would not stop the government’s empowerment programmes.
“I know the people benefiting from this support appreciate it. We are not intimidated by the wrong reports. We will continue to move forward and make sure our people are well cared for,” she said.
The First Lady also spoke about Nigeria’s rich natural resources. She recalled visiting an orange orchard in Benue State and encouraged young Nigerians to look beyond oil and explore other opportunities in agriculture and other sectors.
According to her, Nigeria is blessed with many resources that are yet to be fully explored.
(The Whistler)
