President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on Thursday playfully referred to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria, as “Iya Alakara” during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House in Abuja on 2 July 2026, drawing laughter from guests and reigniting public attention on her recent remarks about small-scale businesses.
While observing protocol at the beginning of his address, President Tinubu smiled as he greeted dignitaries before turning to his wife.
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“Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” President Tinubu said, prompting laughter and applause from those in attendance.
A video of the moment, later shared by Aso Rock TV and circulated widely on social media, quickly attracted fresh reactions, with many Nigerians viewing the President’s comment as a light-hearted acknowledgement of the public debate that followed the First Lady’s earlier remarks.
Tinubu’s Iya Alakara Remark comes just days after Senator Oluremi Tinubu encouraged Nigerian women participating in the Renewed Hope Initiative’s empowerment programme to consider modest businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli, saying such ventures require relatively little start-up capital.
The comments generated significant discussion online, with critics arguing that the advice appeared disconnected from the economic pressures facing many households.
Others defended the initiative, saying the First Lady was highlighting accessible opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurship rather than prescribing a single solution to Nigeria’s broader economic challenges.
Responding to the criticism during the inauguration of the newly completed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State on Monday, Senator Oluremi Tinubu clarified that the Federal Government’s empowerment programme extends well beyond akara vendors.
“And I know they’ve been talking that I said akara. It’s not only akara, we also have tomato sellers. We have boole, and those also selling pepper, selling vegetables for us in the market,” the First Lady said.
She added that the Federal Government had provided ₦100 million to the Jigawa State Government to support the empowerment of 2,000 petty traders, explaining that the objective is to strengthen small businesses and make their livelihoods more sustainable.
President Tinubu’s humorous reference appeared to acknowledge the public conversation without directly addressing the controversy, adding a memorable moment to the annual dinner with members of the Presidential Press Corps.
The exchange also highlighted how seemingly casual remarks by senior public officials can quickly shape national debate, particularly at a time when many Nigerians remain focused on the cost of living and economic recovery.
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While the President’s joke drew warm reactions inside the venue, it also renewed wider conversations online about government messaging, grassroots empowerment and public expectations.
See video below:
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
