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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday drew laughter from guests at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja after playfully referring to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller).
The lighthearted remark came during the President’s speech at the State House event while he acknowledged dignitaries in attendance.
“Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” Tinubu said with a smile, prompting laughter from the audience.
A video of the moment, shared by Aso Rock TV on YouTube, captured the reactions of guests to the President’s humorous reference.
The nickname appeared to allude to the recent public discussion surrounding the First Lady’s remarks on economic empowerment through small-scale businesses.
Speaking earlier under the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme, Senator Oluremi Tinubu had encouraged Nigerian women to explore low-capital ventures such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as a means of earning a living.
Her comments sparked mixed reactions online, with some critics questioning the suggestion amid the country’s economic challenges.
Responding to the criticism during an empowerment programme in Jigawa State, the First Lady explained that the initiative targets a broad range of petty traders, including sellers of tomatoes, peppers, vegetables and roasted plantain.
She also announced that the Federal Government had provided N100 million to support 2,000 petty traders in the state as part of efforts to promote small businesses and economic inclusion.
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