Remi Tinubu Says FG Supports Tomato, Pepper, Boli too, Not Just Akara and Corn Sellers

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has clarified that her empowerment programme for women is not limited to akara sellers, saying beneficiaries also include tomato, pepper, vegetable and bọọli (roasted plantain) traders, among other petty business owners.

Speaking during an empowerment programme in Jigawa State, the First Lady dismissed reports suggesting she singled out only akara sellers as beneficiaries of the initiative.

According to her, her office has already donated N100 million to empower 2,000 women petty traders in the state, with each beneficiary receiving N50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.

“I know they’ve been talking that I said akara. It’s not only akara. We also have tomato sellers, those selling pepper, vegetables and others in the market. We’ll continue to empower them and add to their resources so that their trade can really be sustainable,” she said.

Tinubu added that the programme was designed to strengthen existing small businesses and improve the livelihoods of women across the state.

“We are not intimidated by all those wrong reports. We are forging ahead and making sure that our people are well cared for. We will continue to care in the capacity we have,” she stated.

The First Lady also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging young people to recognise the country’s vast natural wealth beyond crude oil.
She recalled seeing expansive orange orchards during a recent trip, describing them as “mind-blowing.”

“I pray that our young people will see the resources we have in this nation. We have not even begun to explore them because we are thinking it’s oil, but there are so many things,” she said.

Tinubu urged Nigerians, especially the younger generation, to take ownership of the country and remain hopeful, stressing that “Nigeria is a blessed land” that belongs to all its citizens.