First Lady Remi Tinubu has responded to criticism over her suggestion that jobless Nigerian women should sell akara, the popular fried bean cake, to survive. The remarks, which circulated widely online, drew sharp backlash from young Nigerians who accused her of belittling the country's citizens.
Speaking in Jigawa State on Monday, Tinubu dismissed the controversy and said her office wasn't bothered by the uproar. According to her, those targeted by the advice welcomed it.
"I heard people talking about akara sellers," she said. "It is not only akara sellers.
We are also supporting tomato sellers, maize sellers, vegetable sellers, and many other petty traders."
The First Lady stressed that beneficiaries of her initiative appreciated the support. "I know the beneficiaries appreciate it, and we're not intimidated by the wrong reports, we will continue to make sure that we care for our people," she added.
