(Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Photo by TVC News)
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has clarified that her empowerment programme for women is not limited to akara sellers, saying beneficiaries also include tomato, pepper, vegetable and bọọli (roasted plantain) traders, among other petty business owners.
Speaking during an empowerment programme in Jigawa State, the First Lady dismissed reports suggesting she singled out only akara sellers as beneficiaries of the initiative.
According to her, her office has already donated N100 million to empower 2,000 women petty traders in the state, with each beneficiary receiving N50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.
She noted that she was aware people had been saying she mentioned only akara, clarifying that this was not the case as the programme also covers tomato sellers and those selling pepper, vegetables and other goods in the market, adding that the initiative would continue to empower them and add to their resources so their trade could become sustainable.
Tinubu added that the programme was designed to strengthen existing small businesses and improve the livelihoods of women across the state, stating that they were not intimidated by the wrong reports being circulated and were forging ahead to ensure their people are well cared for, in whatever capacity they have.
The First Lady also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging young people to recognise the country’s vast natural wealth beyond crude oil.
She recalled seeing expansive orange orchards during a recent trip, describing the sight as remarkable, and said she hoped young Nigerians would come to appreciate the resources the nation possesses, noting that these had barely been explored because attention is often fixated on oil alone, when in fact there are many other resources available.
Tinubu urged Nigerians, especially the younger generation, to take ownership of the country and remain hopeful, stressing that Nigeria is a blessed land that belongs to all its citizens.
