APC chieftain defends Tinubu’s petty business advice for poor, not Yahoo boys
APC chieftain Ayekooto Akindele defended First Lady Remi Tinubu’s viral video urging women to start petty businesses such as frying akara, selling roasted corn and selling kulikuli. Akindele said the advice was meant for poor Nigerians who want to earn a dignified living without resorting to internet fraud or other dubious schemes. He noted that even Yahoo‑boys and supporters of Peter Obi (called Obidients) consume these goods daily but consider the trades beneath their ambitions, aspiring instead to sell cars like Coscharis, Lanre Shitu or Elizade dealerships. The original video sparked backlash online, with many accusing the First Lady of being out of touch with unemployed youth. By clarifying the target audience, Akindele seeks to reframe the controversy around dignity in legitimate work versus the lure of quick‑money schemes. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over how best to alleviate poverty in Nigeria—whether through encouraging small‑scale entrepreneurship or addressing broader structural barriers. Readers should note that the advice targets those living at or below the poverty line seeking honest income, while Yahoo boys and Obidients, though they consume these products, view them as low‑status. Consider whether promoting petty trade as a dignified option genuinely addresses economic hardship or overlooks systemic issues, and reflect on what kind of livelihood support you believe would most help struggling Nigerians.