“Woman trained more than five children selling roasted plantain” – Mr. Jollof defends Remi Tinubu’s akara, kuli-kuli advice
Popular comedian and media personality Mr. Jollof defended the first lady Oluremi Tinubu following a backlash over her advice encouraging Nigerians to embrace small businesses such as akara, kuli-kuli and groundnuts.
The First Lady’s remarks drew criticism on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that the country’s economic challenges require wider government intervention rather than small business startup proposals.
Reacting to the criticism, Mr Jollof insisted there was nothing wrong with encouraging people to start from humble beginnings, stressing that many successful families were built through small businesses.
“I know a woman who has trained more than five children through the university to sell roasted plantain, fish and akara. Even the coolie vendors are booked for events every weekend and the product can also be exported,” he said.
He also defended the First Lady’s record, claiming that many critics have ignored her contribution to healthcare, education, women’s empowerment and sports while focusing only on her business advice.
According to Mr. Jollof, Remi Tinubu supported primary health care, promoted education, encouraged women’s participation in governance, rewarded female athletes with cash gifts and houses in Abuja and donated to the National Library.
“When the president’s wife supported primary health care, there is no question. When she supported education, there is no question. When she made sure that Nigerian women are involved in decision-making, there is no question.
There is no constitutional role for the first lady; she’s just supportive,” he added.
The debate continues to fuel conversations about the First Lady’s remarks and the government’s role in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Watch the video below…
“I know a woman here in Delta State who for over 20 to 30 years used the money she earned from selling roasted plantains and beans to put more than five children through university.”
— Mr. Jollof defends First Lady Remi Tinubu’s business idea of akara and kuli-kuli. https://t.co/6wDp8fgdfn pic.twitter.com/wWgQNT774i
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) June 27, 2026
