The National Vice-Chairman (South-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, reacted to recent criticisms trailing the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s disclosure that her office has empowered several women to engage in small-scale businesses, including the frying of Akara, roasting of corn, and Kulikuli production.
Speaking to stakeholders in Enugu, Dr. Arodiogbu described the barrage of criticism directed at the First Lady as entirely unnecessary. He emphasized that such micro-enterprises are fundamental to the informal sector and contribute heavily to the overall growth of the nation’s economy.
Narrating his personal experience to underscore the dignity and viability of petty trading, Dr. Arodiogbu revealed that his own mother fried Akara to train him and fund his education. He pointed out that because it is a daily income-generating venture, the business has enabled many families to take proper care of themselves, adding that numerous women have successfully supported their husbands through the proceeds of these trades.
To further buttress his point, Dr. Arodiogbu recalled that during the burial of the mother of the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Yelwatda, the Chairman also revealed that his own mother fried Akara to support his father in raising their family. Dr. Arodiogbu stressed that encouraging mothers to be diligent and engage in small enterprises extends beyond financial benefits; it also teaches children the virtues of hard work, which forms a strong bedrock for their success in life.
The APC chieftain cautioned critics against setting unrealistic expectations for the government. He stated that Nigerians should not expect the First Lady to buy houses for all citizens or take them to the moon, stressing that anybody who spreads the narrative that petty trading is not profitable must be deceitful.
Dr. Arodiogbu further used the opportunity to urge all petty traders across the country to remain proud of their legitimate hustles. He charged them never to be intimidated by detractors, noting that some of those mocking these empowerment efforts may even be directly benefiting from the proceeds of such businesses.
