An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over criticism surrounding her advice encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses, saying her remarks were widely misunderstood.
The backlash followed the First Lady’s suggestion that Nigerians, particularly women, could improve their livelihoods by engaging in petty businesses such as selling akara and roasted corn.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, Mumuni said the First Lady’s comments were meant to encourage low-income Nigerians to explore businesses that require little start-up capital.
“The First Lady’s advice was aimed at encouraging people to embrace small businesses that require minimal capital. There is no need for unnecessary criticism,” he said.
According to him, many Nigerians can successfully start businesses with as little as ₦50,000 or ₦100,000, adding that such ventures have helped many families achieve financial stability.
Mumuni also highlighted several Federal Government initiatives supporting entrepreneurs, including the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, Presidential Palliative Loan Programme, Bank of Industry intervention funds, and programmes by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
He stressed that the First Lady’s remarks should not be interpreted as dismissing the country’s economic challenges or limiting the aspirations of women.
“Her comments reflect genuine concern for economic self-sufficiency and recognise practical business opportunities that can provide immediate income and food security for many households,” he added.
The APC chieftain further urged Nigerians to focus on solution-driven discussions and direct more attention to pressing issues such as insecurity, poverty and hunger rather than creating unnecessary controversies.
Source: Daily Trust
