ABUJA, NIGERIA — First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has defended the Federal Government’s women empowerment programme, saying it is designed to support a wide range of petty traders and not only akara sellers, following criticism on social media.
Speaking during a recent public engagement, the First Lady said the intervention covers women involved in different small-scale businesses, including the sale of tomatoes, maize, bole, vegetables and other everyday commodities. She said public discussions suggesting that the programme focuses only on akara sellers do not reflect the full scope of the initiative.
“I heard people talking about akara sellers. It is not only akara sellers. We are also supporting tomato sellers, maize sellers, bole, vegetable sellers, and many other petty traders,” Remi Tinubu said.
She added that those benefiting from the programme appreciate the support and insisted that the initiative would continue despite criticism.
“I know the beneficiaries appreciate it, and we’re not intimidated by the wrong reports,” the First Lady said.
The comments come amid public debate over government social intervention programmes and the type of support being provided to small business owners. The Federal Government has repeatedly said its empowerment initiatives are intended to improve the livelihoods of women, strengthen household incomes and encourage the growth of micro-enterprises across the country.
Small-scale traders make up a significant part of Nigeria’s informal economy, with many relying on modest daily earnings to support their families. Economists have noted that financial assistance for micro-businesses can improve local economic activity when the support reaches intended beneficiaries and is sustained over time.
Data reviewed by Extra News Nigeria show that women-focused empowerment programmes remain a key component of the Federal Government’s social investment efforts. Stakeholders have, however, continued to call for greater transparency, wider coverage and regular monitoring to ensure that the interventions deliver measurable economic benefits.
The First Lady’s remarks are expected to fuel further discussion about government empowerment programmes and their impact on grassroots businesses. As implementation continues, many Nigerians will be watching to see how such initiatives improve the livelihoods of petty traders across the country.
