President Bola Tinubu on Thursday playfully addressed his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as Iya Alakara Yoruba for “mama akara seller” during the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
Acknowledging the First Lady before guests, Tinubu said:“Gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, the Iya Alakara.”
The President attended the event alongside his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other dignitaries.
The remark appeared to reference a recent viral video in which the First Lady encouraged women to embrace small and medium-scale businesses, noting that petty trades such as frying akara are not difficult to start.
Her earlier comment sparked mixed reactions, particularly among youths, with some interpreting it as dismissive.
Tinubu’s lighthearted remark has now reignited public debate around the First Lady’s statement and its broader implications for women in business.
