Akara: Burna Boy, Davido should do more charitable works – Remi Tinubu

Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her recent comments regarding the empowerment of women through small-scale businesses, such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasting corn, and producing kuli-kuli. Addressing criticism that her suggestions diminished the economic challenges faced by Nigerian women, Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots economic empowerment through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

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I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry. I have mentioned it before, and I will use Akon, a music icon who does a lot of great charity work. They make the Burna Boys of this world, the Asakes, all of them, Davido, we want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money.

Speaking at the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State, the First Lady expanded her appeal beyond small traders. She urged successful entertainers, including prominent musicians like Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake, to establish charitable foundations and use their wealth to assist vulnerable Nigerians. Tinubu acknowledged the appeal of luxury vehicles like Maybachs and Rolls-Royces but stressed that wealthy celebrities should also contribute to improving the lives of the less privileged.

Tinubu clarified that her empowerment initiative is not limited to akara sellers but encompasses various categories of small traders, such as those selling pepper, vegetables, okra, and melon. She believes that supporting these entrepreneurs can ease the economic burden on many families and complement government efforts. To illustrate the program's impact, she shared the story of a university graduate in Abuja who, after receiving assistance, transformed his fortunes by selling akara. This graduate now employs 12 workers and is reportedly doing very well.

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Good cars are good, a Maybach is good, a Rolls-Royce is good, but still, you can help.

Tinubu's initial remarks in June had sparked considerable public debate. President Bola Tinubu even playfully referred to his wife as "Iya Alakara" (mother of akara) during a presidential press corps dinner. The First Lady's continued advocacy for grassroots economic support highlights a focus on practical, community-level solutions to economic challenges.

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The burden on the government is huge. You can still help. There are pepper sellers, there are vegetable sellers, there are okra sellers, melon sellers, akara sellers. Akara is delicious, I can tell you that.