President Tinubu Playfully Responds to First Lady’s Akara Remark After Crusade Appearance
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu jestingly referred to First Lady Remi Tinubu as 'Iya Alakara' following her mention of encouraging Nigerians to sell akara during her address at the Abuja Global Crusade.
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Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has playfully mocked First Lady Remi Tinubu, affectionately calling her 'Iya Alakara'—a Yoruba term meaning 'Mother of Akara'—after she encouraged citizens to take up small businesses such as selling the popular bean fritter during her speech at the Global Crusade event in Abuja.
Remi Tinubu delivered her message on June 28, 2026, at the Wesleyan-aligned Global Crusade led by Pastor William Kumuyi, where she referenced her own background and urged economic self-reliance among Nigerians. While promoting entrepreneurship, her mention of akara as a viable business venture quickly gained attention online, prompting lighthearted commentary from the president.
Footage shared by Naija News on July 3, 2026, captured President Tinubu’s jovial reaction, in which he referred to his wife as 'My dear wife, First Lady, Iya Alakara' during a public appearance. The remark, delivered with a smile, was widely circulated on social media and interpreted as a light-hearted nod rather than criticism.
The interaction highlights the First Lady’s increasing public visibility and her focus on grassroots economic empowerment. Her address at the Global Crusade also emphasized her Wesleyan upbringing, a detail noted by Business Day in its July 5, 2026, coverage of the event.
While the president’s comment was clearly made in jest, it underscores a broader narrative around informal sector livelihoods in Nigeria’s current economic climate. The akara reference, though symbolic, resonated with many citizens facing rising costs of living and limited employment opportunities.