President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday playfully referred to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” during the annual Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja, drawing laughter from journalists and government officials in attendance.

The comment was widely seen as a humorous reference to the public debate that followed the First Lady’s recent remarks encouraging vulnerable Nigerians to explore small-scale businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and similar ventures as a pathway to economic self-reliance.

Speaking at the dinner, attended by members of the Presidential Press Corps and senior government officials, the President introduced his wife with the affectionate nickname, prompting amusement among guests.

The remark comes days after the First Lady responded to criticism over her earlier comments, explaining that her office’s empowerment programmes are not limited to akara vendors but also support traders dealing in tomatoes, vegetables, pepper, roasted plantain (bole) and other small businesses.

She made the clarification while speaking at the inauguration of the Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall in Jigawa State, where she said the initiatives were designed to provide grants that help petty traders expand and sustain their businesses.

The controversy began after the First Lady, during a meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with the wives of the 36 state governors at the State House, said grants provided through her office could enable beneficiaries to start businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn or producing kulikuli without requiring significant capital.

Her comments triggered criticism from many Nigerians, who argued they did not adequately reflect the country’s rising cost of living and increasing unemployment.

The President’s “Iya Alakara” remark has since attracted fresh reactions online, with some social media users interpreting it as an acknowledgement of the public debate, while others viewed it as an attempt to inject humour into the controversy.

(Photo Credit: TVC News)