President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, playfully referred to his wife, First Lady Remi Tinubu, as 'Iya Alakara' (Mama Akara Seller) during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House in Abuja. The light-hearted remark was a direct reference to the backlash she received from some Nigerians after advising low-income earners to venture into small-scale businesses like selling akara, roasting corn, or making kuli-kuli.
President's address draws laughter
In a video shared online from the event, President Tinubu was seen smiling as he acknowledged dignitaries in attendance before turning to his wife. 'Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,' the President said, drawing laughter and reactions from the audience.
The comment was made while the President was observing protocol during his address. The audience responded with amusement, recognizing the playful jab at the controversy that had surrounded the First Lady's earlier advice.
Context of the 'Iya Alakara' nickname
The nickname stems from a statement made by First Lady Remi Tinubu earlier this year, where she encouraged low-income earners to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasting corn, or producing kuli-kuli (a groundnut snack) as a means of improving their livelihoods. The advice sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians accusing her of being out of touch with the economic realities faced by the poor. Critics argued that such businesses require capital and market access that many low-income earners lack.
President Tinubu's jest at the dinner appeared to acknowledge the controversy in a lighthearted manner, signaling that the First Lady's comment had not dampened their spirits. The President's remark was met with laughter, indicating that the audience understood the reference.
Presidential Press Corps Dinner
The Presidential Press Corps Dinner is an annual event that brings together journalists, government officials, and dignitaries to foster camaraderie and celebrate the relationship between the press and the presidency. This year's dinner was held at the State House in Abuja, with President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu as guests of honor.
During his address, the President emphasized the importance of a free press and commended journalists for their role in promoting democracy. He also spoke about the government's achievements and future plans, though the light-hearted moment with the First Lady became the highlight of the evening.
The video of the event quickly went viral on social media, with many Nigerians sharing the clip and commenting on the President's sense of humor. Some praised the President for his ability to laugh at himself and his family, while others saw it as a deflection from the serious issues raised by the First Lady's earlier advice.
