Tinubu jokingly calls First Lady “Iya Alakara” at press dinner
By: Abudu Olalekan
President Bola Tinubu drew laughter from the audience when he facetiously referred to his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as Iya Alakara – “Mama Akara Seller,” on Thursday night.
The President, who was speaking at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja, State House, smiled as he acknowledged the guests present at the function.
He called for the wife’s attention before asking for the First Lady’s opinion on his remark.
“Good Evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies, gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” he said.
The First Lady, who was present at the event, reacted with mixed emotions as she laughed uproariously.
The President’s joke, however, was on a serious issue as Senator Tinubu had recently encouraged Nigerian women to engage in petty trading, such as selling various items, including akara, roasted corn (kuli-kuli), and other cheap goods, under the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment program.
Her remark had angered many Nigerians who expressed shock that a member of the country’s leadership could show such ignorance about the hardship of the average citizen.
Mrs. Tinubu defended herself and clarified that the Renewed Hope Initiative empowered citizens beyond the street trading activities.
“I have explained to them that it is not only for akara sellers but also for those selling tomatoes, peppers, vegetables, roasted plantains, and other items,” Mrs. Tinubu said.
She made the clarification on Monday during the commissioning ceremony of the new Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State.
“Because of the atmosphere, what is going on, I have told Her Excellency that we have donated, given about a hundred million to her to empower two thousand petty traders,” she said.
“I know they have been talking that I said akara, but it is not only akara; we also have boole sellers, sellers of tomatoes, and those selling pepper, vegetables for us in the market.
“We will keep empowering them and adding to their allocation to enable their trade move,” she added.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
