The Presidency has shared an AI-generated image of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu portraying her as an akara seller amid controversy over her recent remarks encouraging women to embrace small-scale businesses.
The image, posted on the President Bola Tinubu Media Centre’s official social media platforms on Friday, showed the First Lady wearing an apron with the inscription, “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love,” while standing at a roadside akara stand.
The post followed widespread criticism of Mrs Tinubu’s comments at a Renewed Hope Initiative event, where she urged women to consider businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kulikuli, saying such ventures “don’t take much money” to start.
Her remarks sparked mixed reactions, with critics arguing they failed to reflect Nigeria’s current economic realities, particularly rising food prices and the high cost of production.
However, supporters defended the advice as a practical way to encourage entrepreneurship, noting that the initiative also provides financial support to petty traders.
President Tinubu had earlier joked about the controversy during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner, referring to his wife as “Iya Alakara,” drawing laughter from the audience.
The Presidency has insisted that the Renewed Hope Initiative provides grants, including ₦50,000 to thousands of women, to support and expand micro-enterprises, describing criticisms of the programme as politically motivated.
