President Tinubu Teases First Lady With 'Iya Alakara' Nickname

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sparked laughter on Thursday night after playfully referring to his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, as "Iya Alakara" during the maiden Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. 

While acknowledging dignitaries at the event, the President introduced the First Lady with a smile, saying, "My dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara," drawing laughter from guests in attendance. A video of the moment has since gone viral on social media. 

The President's lighthearted remark comes days after the First Lady attracted public attention for encouraging Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasted corn and kuli-kuli as viable means of earning a living.

Speaking earlier, Mrs. Tinubu had explained that such ventures require relatively little start-up capital and highlighted the Federal Government's efforts to support entrepreneurs through grants rather than loans.

"We didn't give them loans; we gave them grants. To start an akara business, roasting corn or producing kuli-kuli doesn't require much capital," she had said while discussing the administration's empowerment initiatives. 

Her comments generated widespread reactions online, with supporters describing them as practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, while critics argued they did not adequately address the country's broader economic challenges. 

The President's humorous reference at the dinner appeared to acknowledge the public conversation surrounding the First Lady's earlier remarks, adding a lighter moment to the evening's proceedings.