Tinubu Playfully Coins 'Iya Alakara' for First Lady Amid Petty Trading Debate

President Bola Tinubu lightened the mood at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja by greeting his wife as “Iya Alakara,” a playful nod to her recent remarks on small-scale trading. The First Lady’s suggestion that women embrace ventures like akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli under her Renewed Hope Initiative sparked debate online. Critics called the comment out of touch amid rising living costs. In response, she clarified the programme’s wider scope, announcing a ₦100 million grant to empower 2,000 petty traders in Jigawa State. She stressed support extends beyond akara sellers to vendors of tomatoes, boole, pepper and other market goods.

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