Nigeria's First Lady depicted selling akara in AI image after controversial remarks

Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has become the subject of an AI-generated image depicting her frying and selling akara, a popular Nigerian street food. This digital artwork was shared by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre on social media platforms, shortly after her comments on micro-enterprises drew widespread criticism.

The image shows the First Lady wearing an apron that reads, "Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love," positioned at a roadside akara stand. This visual follows her recent interview where she stated that small-scale businesses, such as frying akara, roasting corn, and making kuli kuli, require little start-up capital. She also mentioned that the Federal Government supports these ventures with grants, not loans, as a means to improve livelihoods.

Tinubu's remarks ignited a firestorm online, with many Nigerians accusing her of insensitivity to the country's severe economic challenges. Conversely, some defended her statements, interpreting them as an attempt to highlight accessible business opportunities. The subsequent AI image has further polarized opinions, with some viewing it as a humorous response to critics and others condemning it as a trivialization of the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians.

Online reactions have been sharp. Users on X, formerly Twitter, expressed dismay, with one user calling it "Warra country" and lamenting the First Lady's portrayal. Another criticized the Presidency's media team, suggesting they lacked the basic knowledge to position the government effectively. Detractors also accused the President of mocking the masses during a period of economic hardship and insecurity. Critics like #ChimaAmako82045 described the post as an "insult to Nigerians," while #outtahighbee argued that the Presidency was damaging its own image by engaging in such content.

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We’re trying to give hope, and to start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant.