Remi Tinubu: Criticism Won’t Stop Support for Akara Sellers, Other Women Traders

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said criticism of her support for petty traders will not deter her administration’s efforts to empower women at the grassroots.

Speaking during her visit to Jigawa State, the First Lady dismissed claims that the intervention targets only akara sellers, stressing that the initiative covers a wide range of small-scale businesses.

“I heard people talking about akara sellers. It is not only akara sellers. We are supporting tomato sellers, maize sellers, vegetable sellers and many other petty traders,” she said.

Senator Tinubu made the remarks while announcing a ₦200 million support package for 2,000 women petty traders in the state. Under the initiative, each beneficiary will receive a ₦50,000 business grant to expand existing enterprises.

She said the intervention is aimed at strengthening women-owned micro-businesses, improving household incomes and promoting economic inclusion at the grassroots.

The First Lady maintained that her commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs remains unwavering despite public criticism, noting that the support programme is designed to benefit various categories of petty traders across the country.