Tinubu Jokes About First Lady’s ‘Iya Alakara’ Remark, Highlights Support for Small Businesses.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has humorously referred to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” during a public event, drawing laughter from the audience while reinforcing the administration’s message on grassroots entrepreneurship and support for small businesses.
The light-hearted remark came after the First Lady’s recent comments encouraging Nigerians to embrace legitimate small-scale enterprises as a pathway to economic resilience and self reliance. During his address, President Tinubu jokingly called his wife “Iya Alakara” a Yoruba expression that translates to “the woman who sells bean cakes (akara)” in reference to her advocacy for modest business ventures.
The President’s comment was widely received as a playful acknowledgment of the First Lady’s message, which has sparked conversations across social media and public discourse about entrepreneurship, dignity of labour, and economic empowerment.
Oluremi Tinubu had earlier emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for Nigerians to earn sustainable livelihoods through honest work. Her remarks formed part of broader efforts to encourage economic participation at the grassroots amid ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy.
Observers say the President’s humorous reference underscores the administration’s attempt to connect with ordinary Nigerians while promoting the value of entrepreneurship and self-employment.
The exchange has generated mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians interpreting it as a light hearted moment between the President and the First Lady, while others have continued to debate the broader context of economic realities facing households and small business owners across the country.
As discussions continue, analysts note that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) remain critical to Nigeria’s economic growth, employment generation, and poverty reduction, making government messaging around entrepreneurship a significant aspect of national economic policy.