Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu has defended her empowerment initiative, saying it extends beyond akara sellers to include several categories of petty traders across the country.
Her remarks come amid public discussions and reports surrounding the programme.
According to the First Lady, the initiative is designed to support small-scale traders by providing assistance to help improve their businesses and livelihoods.
She maintained that the intervention covers a wide range of beneficiaries, including tomato sellers, bole vendors, maize sellers, vegetable sellers and other petty traders.
Her comments sought to address criticism and clarify the scope of the programme, stressing that it is reaching many people whose businesses depend on daily trading activities.
First Lady responds to criticism
Speaking on the initiative, Remi Tinubu said, “It is not only akara sellers. We are also supporting tomato sellers, bole, maize sellers, vegetable sellers, and many other petty traders.”
She explained that the programme was intentionally designed to benefit different categories of small business owners.
She further added, “I know the beneficiaries appreciate it, and we’re not intimidated by the wrong reports.”
The First Lady insisted that the initiative would continue despite criticism, expressing confidence that those receiving support recognise its impact.
Remarks generate public discussion
The comments have sparked conversations on social media, with Nigerians expressing varying opinions about the empowerment programme and its effectiveness.
While some users welcomed the clarification, others called for broader economic interventions to support small businesses.
The First Lady’s remarks have continued to fuel discussions on government-backed empowerment initiatives and their role in assisting petty traders across the country.
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