Sell Akara, Sell Roasted Corn" — Remi Tinubu's Advice to Nigerian Youth and Women Sparks Nationwide Debate

 Nigeria's First Lady Urges Women and Youth to Embrace Small Businesses as a Path to Financial Independence

Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has stirred widespread reactions after encouraging Nigerian women and young people to embrace small-scale businesses such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasted corn, and other local food items as a means of earning a living and achieving financial independence.

Speaking during a public engagement, the First Lady emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and hard work in addressing the country's economic challenges. She urged Nigerians, particularly women and youths, not to look down on humble businesses, stressing that many successful entrepreneurs started from small beginnings.

According to her, businesses like selling akara, roasted corn, and other locally produced items can provide a steady source of income while reducing dependence on white-collar jobs, which remain limited across the country. She noted that every legitimate business has value and should be pursued with dignity and determination.

The remarks have since generated mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some Nigerians applauded the First Lady's message, describing it as a practical call for entrepreneurship, others argued that the country's leaders should focus more on creating an enabling economic environment, improving access to finance, and implementing policies that generate sustainable employment opportunities for millions of unemployed youths.

Supporters of the First Lady maintain that there is nothing wrong with encouraging entrepreneurship, especially in difficult economic times. They believe many successful businesses started on a small scale and grew into thriving enterprises through consistency and dedication.

Critics, however, contend that while entrepreneurship is important, many micro-businesses are also struggling due to rising inflation, high transportation costs, expensive food items, and reduced consumer purchasing power. They argue that many Nigerians need broader economic reforms alongside encouragement to start businesses.

The discussion comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with economic pressures affecting households and small businesses. Rising living costs have pushed many citizens to seek alternative sources of income, with roadside food vending and other informal businesses becoming increasingly common across the country.

Economic analysts have often pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in Nigeria's economy by creating jobs and supporting local communities. However, they also emphasize the need for improved infrastructure, affordable loans, stable electricity, and supportive government policies to help these businesses thrive.

As reactions continue to pour in, the First Lady's comments have reignited a broader national conversation about entrepreneurship, job creation, and the role of government in tackling unemployment and economic hardship.

For many Nigerians, the debate goes beyond selling akara or roasted corn—it reflects the ongoing search for practical solutions to improve livelihoods in one of Africa's largest economies.