The Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on June 24 in Abuja, sparked intense public debate after highlighting low-capital food businesses, such as akara frying, corn roasting, and kuli-kuli making, during a discussion regarding her Renewed Hope Initiative grants for vulnerable citizens.
She said, “to start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn or kuli-kuli doesn’t take much. We have encouraged Nigerians as best as we could, we have given people a grant, I also gave to several others.”
Her statements emphasizing that these businesses do not require substantial capital and that her office provided grants rather than loans to encourage Nigerians—drew sharp criticism across social media.
Critics labeled the advice tone-deaf given the country’s economic backdrop, which includes a 15.93% inflation rate, 17.8% food inflation, and pervasive poverty affecting 140 million people.
No clarification has come from her office as of June 26.
“To start Akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn and kuli-kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan, we gave them a grant. We have encouraged Nigerians as best as we could.”
– First Lady Remi Tinubu pic.twitter.com/tnDNJavTH8
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) June 25, 2026
Here are some of the reactions seen on X:
Daniel Regha (@DanielRegha): Since akara, roasting of corn, and kulikuli are profitable businesses, why didn’t Remi Tinubu embark in the business instead of running for senate?
Onodugo (@IchieOnodugo): Patience Jonathan wasn’t evil. Stella Obasanjo wasn’t. Turai Yar’ Adua wasn’t. We started witnessing evil first ladies from the APC administration. Aisha was inhumane, but words can’t even accurately capture how evil Remi Tinubu is.
Nnamdi (@_Nsznn): So after graduating with second class in Electrical engineering, Remi Tinubu said I should start selling Roasted corn or kuli kuli. God I ask again, what is my offense
Sir Dickson (@Wizarab10): Frying akara is your best encouragement? God of mercy! These people are desperate to marinate you in poverty
Revolutionary Youth! (@tort…): Dear @SenRemiTinubu, I have started roasted agbado business as instructed by you. I used my certificates to lit up the fire. Do well to ensure bandits do not attack me on my way to farm, do well to ensure price of transportation doesn’t run me out of business. Lastly, while you and governor’s wives cruise in the exotic cars you shared, please stop by and buy my corn.
Dreamer (@Olag0ke): This statement alone should guarantee a loss. This is the wife of the president. WTF
SizZzle. (@n6oflife6): In a whole 2026 the Nigerian 1st lady is publicly asking Citizens to start Akara, Roasted Corn and KuliKuli business to make Ends meet; After removing Subsidy. This Guys have no idea about Poverty Reduction. This is their Highest plan for your life. Vote Wisely 2027.
CHUKS (@ChuksEricE): Randy Peterz don already start Akara business? He say thank you ‘Senator Remi Tinubu’
Aunty Teda (@imoteda): If the universe is kind I will watch this woman and her husband suffer.
benny. (@1BENNY7G): you already know the country is so cooked if the first lady of the federation can’t even think about creating sustainable and impactful long term jobs for graduates and citizens but suggest they venture into akara and corn roasting businesses. nigeria is completely doomed. sigh!
Emir Sirdam (@EmirSirdam): Nigerians please chase this evil family of poverty out in 2027, or you will also be chasing bread in every state not just Ekiti. A word is enough for the wise!
Adedunni (@isimodu): This people are just a hell of funny creatures telling people to start frying Akara .wtf
Olalekan Giwa (@OlalekanGi…): The height of mediocrity, imagine the mindset of this looting class.smh
Ogbaa6000 (@Ogbaafia): Careless talk from a woman who doesn’t understand Nigerian pain.
PoeticPeter (@PoeticPeter): People like this, if you are winning they will tear your shirt.
Hamilton (@hamiltonawah): She’s the kind of woman who if BAT wants to give you 10k for Uber she’ll tell him to give you 1k instead to enter bus and you can trek the remaining distance so you can stay healthy.
Emeodi Mba (@EmodiMba): At least all this unfortunate online intellectuals looking for details can see the actual details of APC policy. Stop disguising under “I can’t find a clear cut policies from all this candidates”, you’ve APC akara policy and it’s fantastic.
Elnathan John (@elnathan_j…): Roasting corn and kuli-kuli as hope renewed. Where drones are changing warfare. Where women are leading regional politics driving change. In world where we are talking about how AI is changing industry. These people despise Nigerians. I am just thinking of the wife of the German Chancellor saying they have provided grants for women to start selling schnitzel and currywurst as part of the Chancellor’s agenda of renewed hope.
NEFERTITI (@firstladyship): Spin doctors will spin this. They will deflect by infusing Peter Obi into the conversation. They will say she never meant akara, roasted corn, nor kuli-kuli. But that’s exactly what she meant. Nigerians are in big trouble. There is fire on the mountain but the people are tired of running.