President Bola Ahmed Tinubu drew laughter from guests after playfully referring to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara”, a Yoruba expression loosely translated as “mother of bean cake sellers,” in a light-hearted remark that referenced her recent advocacy for small-scale businesses and grassroots entrepreneurship.
The President made the humorous comment during a public event attended by government officials, political leaders, and invited guests, using the nickname to acknowledge the First Lady’s passion for empowering petty traders and supporting women engaged in small businesses across the country.
His remark came in response to Oluremi Tinubu’s recent comments highlighting the importance of micro-enterprises, particularly women involved in local businesses such as frying and selling akara (bean cakes), a popular Nigerian delicacy that serves as a source of income for thousands of households.
Addressing the audience, President Tinubu jokingly described the First Lady as “Iya Alakara,” prompting laughter and applause from those in attendance. The comment reflected the cordial relationship between the President and his wife while drawing attention to her ongoing efforts to promote economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
The First Lady has consistently advocated for policies and initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of women, youths, and vulnerable groups through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and access to economic opportunities. Through her office and the Renewed Hope Initiative, she has championed programmes designed to support small businesses, vocational training, and financial inclusion across the country.
Observers noted that the President’s light-hearted remark underscored the administration’s broader emphasis on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are widely regarded as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
Across the country, millions of Nigerians depend on informal businesses including food vending, petty trading, tailoring, and artisan work for their daily income. Successive governments have identified the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises as critical to job creation, poverty reduction, and economic development.
The exchange between the President and the First Lady quickly attracted attention on social media, where many users described the moment as humorous and reflective of the couple’s public rapport. Others interpreted the nickname as recognition of the First Lady’s continued advocacy for women operating at the grassroots level.
Although delivered in jest, the President’s comment highlighted the growing national conversation on supporting small businesses amid ongoing economic reforms. Analysts say expanding opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs remains essential to stimulating local economies and improving household incomes.
The Tinubu administration has repeatedly stated that strengthening entrepreneurship, improving access to finance, and creating an enabling environment for small businesses form part of its broader economic agenda aimed at driving inclusive growth and sustainable development.
