Headline: Remi Tinubu Defends Akara Remark, Says FG Also Supports Tomato Traders

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has defended her recent comments about empowering women through small-scale businesses, saying the federal government’s support extends beyond akara sellers to include tomato, pepper, vegetable, bole and other petty traders.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, Tinubu said the Renewed Hope initiative had provided N100 million to the state government to support 2,000 petty traders, with each beneficiary receiving N50,000 to expand their businesses.

Responding to criticism over her earlier remarks, she insisted the programme would continue despite negative reactions, adding that the government remains committed to improving livelihoods. Tinubu also encouraged young Nigerians to embrace agriculture, describing it as a sector with enormous economic opportunities beyond oil.