Remi Tinubu has said criticism will not stop her from supporting women engaged in small-scale businesses across the country, insisting that her empowerment programmes extend far beyond akara sellers.
Speaking during a visit to Jigawa State, the First Lady announced a ₦100 million support package for 2,000 women petty traders, with each beneficiary set to receive ₦50,000 to support and expand their businesses.
Responding to criticism surrounding previous empowerment initiatives, she said, “Criticism will not stop me from empowering Akara sellers and other women traders. I heard people talking about akara sellers. It is not only akara sellers.”
She explained that the intervention covers a broad range of small-scale entrepreneurs, including tomato sellers, maize sellers, vegetable sellers, and many other petty traders operating in local communities.
According to the First Lady, the initiative is aimed at strengthening women’s economic participation by providing financial support to grassroots businesses, helping beneficiaries increase their working capital, and improve their livelihoods.
The empowerment programme is part of ongoing efforts by the Office of the First Lady to support women-led micro-enterprises across Nigeria amid rising economic challenges.
