Tinubu jokes Wife’s ‘Iya Alakara’ remark amid business programme debate
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday playfully referred to his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” (mother of the akara seller) while speaking at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House in Abuja.
The remark, which drew laughter and applause from guests, was made during his opening remarks.
“Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” the president said.
The comment comes amid public debate over remarks recently made by the First Lady on women’s empowerment through small-scale businesses.
According to TheCable, Oluremi Tinubu had attracted criticism on social media after describing businesses such as akara selling, roasted corn and kuli-kuli production as viable means of livelihood for women despite the country’s economic challenges.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, the First Lady defended the initiative, saying beneficiaries of the intervention programme also include traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and roasted plantain, popularly known as bole.
She disclosed that the Federal Government provided N100 million to the Jigawa State Government to support 2,000 petty traders, with each beneficiary receiving N50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.
Oluremi Tinubu maintained that the programme is aimed at strengthening small businesses and improving the livelihoods of beneficiaries, adding that the initiative would continue despite public criticism. According to TheCable, she insisted the government would not be discouraged by negative reactions to the programme.
