Abuja: The Renewed Hope Neighbour 2 Neighbour, a pro-government group, has emphasized that First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s recent comment regarding selling akara was intended as a message of economic empowerment. This assertion was made through a statement released on Tuesday by the group’s National Coordinator, Mr. Belusochukwu Enwere.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Enwere clarified that the first lady’s comments, which have been misinterpreted on social media, were made in the context of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s efforts to empower vulnerable Nigerians through grants and skills acquisition programs. He noted that Sen. Tinubu’s remarks were meant to underscore the significance of starting small businesses with minimal capital and gradually expanding them.
He explained that examples like selling akara, kuli-kuli, and roasted corn represented domestic business ideas requiring relatively low start-up capital. These examples, he added, reflect a widely accepted entrepreneurial principle that successful businesses often start small and expand through perseverance and hard work.
“We regret that these remarks have been taken out of context and sensationalized by some sections of the public and social media. The first lady’s message was one of hope, resilience, and practical empowerment; start small, grow big,” he said.
Enwere further stated that the philosophy aligns with entrepreneurship realities both within Nigeria and globally, where many successful enterprises evolve from modest beginnings. He praised the first lady for her dedication to improving the welfare of women, youths, and other vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
He highlighted that the initiative had provided grants, vocational training, healthcare interventions, and other support programs aimed at promoting self-reliance and reducing poverty. Additionally, he pointed out Tinubu’s personal initiatives in funding programs for tuberculosis eradication, breast cancer support, and combating malnutrition.
“The efforts demonstrate her commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians,” Enwere stated. He urged Nigerians to support the first lady’s initiatives instead of criticizing her remarks, emphasizing that tackling poverty and unemployment requires collective action.
“Eradicating hunger and poverty requires collective action, shared responsibility, and a renewed sense of optimism. Let us focus on the substance of the first lady’s vision of empowering citizens to take ownership of their economic destinies, one small business at a time,” he said.
He further urged the media and the public to engage constructively with Tinubu’s empowerment programs instead of distorting her message. Enwere stressed that supporting small businesses is a key pathway to economic growth and self-sufficiency, expressing confidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda would contribute to building a more prosperous Nigeria.