By JKNewsMedia
HUMOUR MARKED the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja on Thursday as President Bola Tinubu playfully addressed First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” following recent public reactions to her comments on small scale businesses.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that addressing guests at the State House event, the President said, “Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
His remark followed criticism on social media over comments by the First Lady encouraging women facing economic challenges to explore businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and selling kulikuli.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, Oluremi Tinubu reaffirmed her position.
She said beneficiaries of government intervention through her office include traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and roasted plantain, locally known as bole.
The First Lady also said the Federal Government had provided N100 million to the Jigawa State Government to support 2,000 petty traders.
She said each beneficiary would receive ₦50,000 to recapitalise their businesses as part of efforts to make the enterprises sustainable.
Oluremi Tinubu insisted that the government would not be deterred by criticism of the programme.
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