Media personality and activist DJ Switch has criticised Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, over her remarks encouraging Nigerians to explore small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli.
Speaking in a recent video, Oluremi Tinubu said the government was working to restore hope through grants and social intervention programmes. She noted that ventures like akara and kuli-kuli production require little capital, making them accessible to many Nigerians.
The First Lady also highlighted the administration’s investments in humanitarian initiatives, including tuberculosis treatment, breast cancer support, efforts to combat food malnutrition, scholarships, ICT training and other empowerment programmes.
According to her, the government has continued to support citizens within its capacity.
“We’ve encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. What is within our hands, I have given and I keep giving,” she said.
She further urged Nigerians not to lose hope, saying President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” is intended to inspire optimism and national progress.
“We have to renew our hope and that’s how we renew our hope. We are a very proud nation,” she added.
Reacting to the comments, DJ Switch expressed strong disapproval on social media, arguing that the government should focus on building opportunities, infrastructure and skills that prepare Nigerians for an increasingly technology-driven world.
“With absolutely no due respect, Remi! Thunder fire you! While other nations are creating spaces and infrastructure to develop their people for this rapidly technologically advancing world, you want us to sell kuli kuli?” she wrote.
The activist also criticised those defending the First Lady’s comments, adding:
“I can’t express how much I despise you people.”
Reactions
@NaijaVoice: “No be everybody wey go fit survive by selling akara. Government suppose create better jobs too.”
@HopeDealer: “There is dignity in every honest hustle. Selling akara or kuli-kuli is not a crime if it puts food on the table.”
@TechNaija: “The issue no be selling akara. The issue be say other countries dey invest heavily in AI, robotics and innovation while we still dey talk about roadside businesses.”
@MamaChisom: “DJ Switch get point, but small businesses have always helped many Nigerian families survive.”
@StreetKing: “Na so dem go dey tell graduates to dey roast corn after spending millions on school fees? E no balance abeg.”
@RealCitizen: “Whether na akara, coding or farming, government should create an environment where every business can thrive.”
@Emmy4Life: “This matter don divide Nigerians. Some say hustle no get shame, others say leaders should aim higher than encouraging survival businesses.”
Published by Ejoh Caleb
