Remi Tinubu’s suggestion that Nigerians start selling fried bean cakes and roasted corn triggers fierce debate online with some praising the hustle and others slamming “tone-deaf” leadership
Nigeria’s First Lady has found herself at the center of a social media storm after suggesting citizens should consider starting micro-businesses like selling akara (bean cakes), roasted corn, and kuli-kuli (peanut snacks) to cope with economic hardship.
Speaking at a State House event in Abuja, Senator Oluremi Tinubu touted the government’s Renewed Hope Initiative grants program, emphasizing that these small ventures “don’t take a lot of money” to launch.
But her remarks landed like a splash of cold water on a nation grappling with soaring inflation and economic uncertainty.
The Backlash
Critics flooded X (formerly Twitter) with accusations that the First Lady is dangerously out of touch:
· @ADCVanguard_ called it proof of “exactly how disconnected Nigeria’s ruling class has become”
· @ireteeh contrasted the advice with private citizens offering cybersecurity training, asking why government can’t aim higher
· @firstladyship warned starkly: “Nigerians are in big trouble. There is fire on the mountain but the people are tired of running”
The Defense
But not everyone piled on. Some users pushed back:
· @Akikanju1568901 insisted akara is “one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria,” noting that vendors have funded university educations, built homes, and bought cars
· @PemiOladapo reminded critics: “There’s dignity in labour… these are our local snacks!”
The Middle Ground
User @TossynBankz_ perhaps captured the nuance best:
“Nobody is mocking akara, roasted corn, or kuli-kuli. Those are honest businesses. The problem is that Nigerians are asking for a better economy, more jobs, and lower prices. Telling people to start selling akara in this situation just feels like the government doesn’t understand what people are going through.”
What Tinubu Actually Said
Beyond the akara comment, the First Lady detailed significant government spending:
· N2 billion for tuberculosis intervention
· N1 billion for breast cancer support
· N500 million to combat malnutrition
· Plus scholarships, ICT training, and agricultural support
She urged Nigerians to embrace President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” saying: “We have to renew our hope… that’s what I have to tell Nigerians.”
The Bottom Line
The controversy highlights a growing disconnect between government messaging and citizens’ daily reality. While grants and small business encouragement may help some, the criticism suggests Nigerians are hungry for systemic solutions not just survival strategies.
As one commenter put it: “We need jobs, not just hustle. We need the economy to work, not just workarounds.”
