President Bola Ahmed Tinubu drew laughter from guests at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner after playfully referring to his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” during his opening remarks.
While acknowledging dignitaries at the event held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, the President smiled and greeted attendees before jokingly introducing the First Lady as:
“My dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara.”
The light-hearted remark sparked laughter and applause from journalists, government officials and other guests in attendance.
Nickname References Recent Public Debate
The President’s joke appeared to reference the recent public discussion surrounding comments made by the First Lady during the Renewed Hope Initiative economic empowerment programme.
At the event, Oluremi Tinubu encouraged women to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasted corn, kuli-kuli and other petty trading ventures as a way to earn a living. Her comments generated mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians criticising the advice as being out of touch with the country’s economic challenges.
First Lady Previously Clarified Her Remarks
Following the backlash, the First Lady explained that her comments had been misunderstood. She said the government’s empowerment programme was designed to support a wide range of small-scale traders—not just akara sellers—including vendors of tomatoes, peppers, vegetables and roasted plantain.
She also disclosed that the Federal Government had provided financial support to help thousands of petty traders expand their businesses under the initiative.
Dinner Marked by Humour and Appreciation
The humorous exchange was one of the memorable moments of the annual Presidential Press Corps Dinner, where President Tinubu also thanked members of the media for their work and urged journalists to continue reporting responsibly and professionally.
Key Highlights
- President Tinubu jokingly called First Lady Oluremi Tinubu “Iya Alakara” during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner.
- The remark drew laughter from guests at the State House event.
- The nickname referenced the First Lady’s recent comments encouraging women to explore small-scale businesses such as akara selling.
- Oluremi Tinubu had earlier clarified that her remarks were meant to encourage and support all categories of petty traders through government empowerment programmes.
The Story in Nigerian Pidgin
Tinubu Tease Wife, Call Am “Iya Alakara” for State House Dinner
President Bola Tinubu make people laugh for the Presidential Press Corps Dinner after he jokingly introduce him wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara.” As he dey greet guests for the event, he say, “My dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” and everybody burst into laughter.
The joke na reference to the First Lady’s recent advice wey encourage women make dem consider businesses like selling akara and other small-scale trading. After many people criticise the comment online, she later explain say she no mean only akara sellers, but all petty traders wey government dey support through its empowerment programme.
