Nigerian disc jockey and activist DJ Switch has criticised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over her recent remarks encouraging poor Nigerians to embrace small-scale entrepreneurship as a means of improving their livelihoods.
The criticism follows comments by the First Lady, who urged Nigerians facing economic hardship to consider starting modest businesses such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasted corn, and kuli-kuli rather than relying solely on white-collar employment. Her remarks were made as part of a broader message encouraging self-reliance and entrepreneurship amid the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
Reacting in a post shared on her social media platforms, DJ Switch described the advice as disconnected from the realities faced by millions of Nigerians struggling with rising inflation, high unemployment, and the increasing cost of living.
According to the entertainer, while entrepreneurship can be a viable path for some people, simply advising citizens to start petty businesses without addressing the structural economic challenges confronting the country does not provide a lasting solution.
She argued that many Nigerians are already engaged in small-scale trading and informal businesses but continue to struggle due to poor infrastructure, multiple taxation, insecurity, unstable electricity supply, and declining purchasing power.
DJ Switch further questioned whether government officials fully appreciate the severity of the economic hardship facing ordinary citizens, saying many families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities despite working hard.
Her comments have since generated widespread reactions across social media, with many users expressing mixed opinions. While some agreed that the First Lady’s remarks appeared overly simplistic given the country’s economic realities, others defended her position, arguing that encouraging entrepreneurship is a practical way of promoting self-sufficiency during difficult times.
The exchange has reignited broader conversations about Nigeria’s economic situation and the role of government in addressing unemployment, poverty, and the rising cost of living. It also highlights the growing public debate over whether citizens need more comprehensive economic policies and social support, rather than motivational appeals to venture into small businesses.
Neither the Presidency nor the Office of the First Lady had publicly responded to DJ Switch’s criticism at the time of reporting.
