By Sabiu Abdullahi
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre has posted an AI-generated image of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, selling akara amid ongoing reactions to her recent remarks about small-scale businesses.
The image appeared on the Presidency’s official social media platforms on Friday. It showed the First Lady at a roadside akara stand wearing an apron with the inscription, “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.”
The post came days after Oluremi Tinubu spoke about low-capital businesses during an interview. She had explained that ventures such as akara frying, corn roasting and kuli kuli production could help Nigerians improve their livelihoods.
“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,” she had said.
Her comments generated widespread reactions online. While some Nigerians said the remarks failed to reflect the country’s economic challenges, others defended her position and described the businesses as accessible opportunities for many citizens.
The AI-generated image also triggered fresh debate on social media.
Reacting on X, a user identified as @Top_GunM wrote, “Warra country. It’s so unfortunate. This is meant to be the wife of the president of the most populous black nation in the world and this is what she’s being reduced to.”
Another user, #mizmuchstella, criticised the Presidency’s media team. “Whoever is the handler of this account should be sacked. Your job is to position this government as good, but it is obvious you have no basic knowledge of your job.”
Also reacting, #WilverZaddy said, “I hope Nigerians are seeing the man they voted for using them to catch cruise? Is this what a president is supposed to say? A president directly mocking the masses while the economy bites harder with high level of insecurity in the country. Such a big pity and mess.”
Another X user, #ChimaAmako82045, described the post as disrespectful to Nigerians. “Keep enjoying this mediocrity n insult you are giving Nigerians, e just remain months to vote the idiotic family out of aso rock, and na that time when una wan rig am na him una go know Nigerians pain. Enjoy it while it last but remember it won’t last forever.”
A user identified as #outtahighbee also faulted the development, saying the Presidency was damaging its public image. “lol You guys are not helping this president of ours at all. You think you are but you keep dragging the old man down and further down with this cruise. Everybody can’t sell akara and kuli kuli now Abi iru wahala wo leleyi gan sef? Oro yin su mi o.”
Another commentator, #gentrytee22, argued that the image portrayed citizens in a poor light. “This is to show how small the government of the day rates its citizens. You advocate for mediocrity and call it innovation , people who wants better for themselves complain now it has to turn to a nationwide meme being used by the government media team lol. It’s a shame.”
Highlighting rising living costs, #AminJaman wrote, “Even akara has becomes more expensive because beans, oil, and transport costs keep rising. The smile is beautiful, but behind it is the reality of soaring food prices, expensive cooking gas, and declining purchasing power.”
However, some Nigerians defended the post.
A user identified as #SirTimeyin argued that social media users had earlier turned the First Lady’s remarks into jokes and memes. “I find it interesting that so many people are suddenly outraged. When the First Lady’s “Akara” comment became content, Nigerians turned it into skits, memes, and endless cruise. We laughed, and moved on. Now the President has added his own quota to thesame joke, and everyone is wailing. Why the surprise? Once a national issue becomes entertainment, don’t be shocked when those in power start treating it like one too. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
Another supporter, #sto0511M, welcomed the image and encouraged the Presidency to continue with such posts. “Thank you for this image we want more of these kind images to dish out to them so that theh can continue roaming in 1 roundabout,abeg pepper 🌶 dem more for us our body sey sweet us with that PBAT statement.”
President Tinubu had earlier referred to the First Lady as “Iya Alakara” during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House in Abuja on Thursday. The remark came while he acknowledged guests during his speech at the event.
