First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has defended her recent comments about small-scale businesses, clarifying that the Federal Government’s economic empowerment programme is not limited to akara sellers but also supports traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses.
Speaking during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, Mrs Tinubu explained that the intervention is aimed at helping low-income traders expand and sustain their businesses.
She disclosed that the Federal Government had already released ₦100 million to the Jigawa State Government to empower 2,000 petty traders under the initiative.
“Because of the atmosphere, what is going on, I’ve told Her Excellency that we’ve already donated about ₦100 million to empower 2,000 petty traders.
“And I know they’ve been talking that I said akara. It’s not only akara. We also have tomato sellers, those selling boli, pepper and vegetables in the market. We will continue to empower them and add to their resources so that their trade can really be sustainable,” she said.
According to the First Lady, each of the 2,000 beneficiaries will receive ₦50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.
Mrs Tinubu also dismissed suggestions that public criticism would affect the government’s empowerment efforts, insisting that the administration would continue supporting small business owners across the country.
“I know all those people who are affected appreciate it. We are not intimidated by all those wrong reports. We are forging ahead and making sure that our people are well cared for,” she added.
She further encouraged young Nigerians to explore opportunities in agriculture and other sectors beyond crude oil, saying the country is blessed with abundant natural resources that remain largely untapped.
