By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her recent remarks on small-scale businesses, clarifying that the Federal Government’s empowerment initiatives go beyond akara sellers to include traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain (bole), and other petty trades.
Tinubu made the clarification on Monday while inaugurating the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State.
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Her comments come after her earlier statements about supporting businesses like akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli drew widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing her of downplaying the severity of Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Addressing the backlash directly, the First Lady announced that the Federal Government has donated N100 million to the Jigawa State Government to empower 2,000 petty traders in the state.
“Because of the atmosphere, what is going on, I’ve told Her Excellency that we’ve already given, donated about 100 million to her to use to empower 2,000 petty traders,” she said.
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She added: “It’s not only akara, we also have tomato sellers. We have bole, and those also selling pepper, selling vegetables for us in the market. We will continue to empower them and add to their resources so that their trade can really be sustainable.”
Each beneficiary is expected to receive N50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.
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Senator Tinubu stated that the government would not be distracted by criticism, noting that many of those affected appreciate the interventions.
“I know all those people who are affected, they do appreciate it. And we are not intimidated by all those wrong reports. But we are forging ahead and making sure that our people are well cared for,” she said.
The First Lady also highlighted Nigeria’s untapped natural resources, citing an orange orchard she visited in Benue State, and urged young Nigerians to explore opportunities beyond oil.
“Nigeria is a really blessed country… We have not even gone to explore yet because we are thinking it’s oil. But there are so many things,” she added.
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The event was part of her ongoing tour and advocacy for women’s economic empowerment across the country.
No official reaction has been received from the Presidency regarding the latest comments.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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