The Presidency has shared an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated image of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, days after her remarks on small-scale businesses sparked widespread public debate.
The image, posted on the official social media platforms of the President Bola Tinubu Media Centre, depicts the First Lady behind a roadside akara stand wearing an apron with the inscription, “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.” The post quickly generated mixed reactions across social media.
The AI-generated image follows comments made by Mrs Tinubu during an interview in which she encouraged women and young Nigerians to consider micro-enterprises such as frying akara, roasting corn and making kuli-kuli, noting that such businesses require relatively little start-up capital. She explained that beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s empowerment programmes receive grants rather than loans to establish small businesses.
Her remarks attracted criticism from some Nigerians, who argued that they did not adequately reflect the country’s economic challenges and rising cost of living. Others defended the First Lady, saying she was promoting entrepreneurship and highlighting accessible livelihood opportunities.
The Presidency’s decision to publish the AI-generated image further fuelled the conversation online. Supporters described the post as a humorous response to the controversy, while critics argued that it trivialised the economic hardship facing many Nigerians. Social media users expressed sharply divided views on the image and the message it conveyed.
The development also came a day after President Bola Tinubu jokingly referred to the First Lady as “Iya Alakara” during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House in Abuja, a remark widely interpreted as a light-hearted reference to the ongoing debate over her comments.
The controversy has reignited discussions about the role of public officials in communicating economic policies and empowerment initiatives, with supporters emphasising the importance of promoting self-reliance while critics continue to call for broader measures to address unemployment, inflation and the rising cost of living.
