Nigerian singer Mr. Real has said he would rather become a bandit than take First Lady Remi Tinubu’s advice to get involved in small-scale businesses.
Truthng earlier reported that Tinubu had advised Nigerians to consider starting small businesses, such as akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli, which require little capital.
She said, “To start an akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn or 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. I also gave to several others.”
However, speaking via a series of posts on Instagram, Mr. Real stated that he would rather join banditry.
The singer rejected the idea of petty trading as a solution to the country’s economic hardships.
He wrote, “I go rather join bandit than to sell kulikuli and Akara. And my target will be politicians. At least if I am caught, they will habituate me. So it is worth the risk.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian female disc jockey Obianuju Catherine Udeh, professionally known as DJ Switch, has slammed the first lady, Remi Tinubu, after she encouraged Nigerians to consider small-scale ventures such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli.
Speaking on the activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady said the programme had been providing grants, rather than loans, to vulnerable Nigerians to help them start businesses and improve their livelihoods.
She said, “We’re trying to give hope, and to start the Akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli, doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant.
“So we’ve encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. What is within our hands, I have given, and I keep giving.”
The comments have since sparked outrage online, and DJ Switch has also condemned the remarks.
In a post on her Instagram, DJ Switch said that while other nations are creating spaces and infrastructure to develop their people for this rapidly evolving world, Remi Tinubu is encouraging the sale of kuli-kuli.
She wrote, “With absolute no due respect Remi! Thunder fire you! While other nations are creating spaces and infrastructure to develop their people for this rapidly developing world, you want us to sell kuli-kuli? And the otondo’s behind you are nodding their greedy necks! I can’t express how much I despise you, people.”
