Ayo Mairo-Ese Slams Remi Tinubu’s ‘Akara and Kuli-Kuli’ Empowerment Advice

Arise News anchor Ayo Mairo-Ese has criticized the First Lady for urging low-income Nigerians, especially women, to set up small food stalls frying akara or making kuli-kuli as a route to economic independence. In a viral clip from a recent press briefing, the First Lady highlighted micro-grants for petty trading. On her morning show, Mairo-Ese called this advice outdated and demeaning to modern Nigerian women. She argued that today’s empowered women should focus on industrialization and technology to create jobs and boost GDP. She challenged the political elite to point to anyone in their circle who built a thriving career selling street snacks. The debate has sparked a wider conversation about the kind of empowerment programs Nigerian women need in 2026 and beyond.

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