By Desmond Ogbonmwan
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sparked laughter at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja on Thursday night after playfully introducing Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara”—a Yoruba expression that literally means “mother of the akara seller.”
Although the remark lasted only a few seconds, it immediately attracted attention on social media because many Nigerians recognised it as an apparent reference to a controversy that had followed the First Lady months earlier.
At the time, Remi Tinubu had encouraged low-income Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasted corn and kuli-kuli as a means of generating income.
While some Nigerians viewed the advice as practical encouragement for entrepreneurship, others criticised it as being out of touch with the country’s current economic realities.
Against that backdrop, President Tinubu’s light-hearted reference quickly became one of the most discussed moments from the State House dinner.
The Moment That Drew Laughter
During his speech before members of the Presidential Press Corps and invited guests, President Tinubu acknowledged dignitaries in attendance according to protocol.
After greeting members of the press, he turned toward the First Lady and said:
“My dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara.”
The remark was met with laughter from guests present at the event.
A video of the moment soon spread across social media platforms, generating thousands of comments from Nigerians who interpreted the joke in different ways.
Some described it as evidence of the President’s sense of humour, while others linked it directly to the criticism that had followed the First Lady’s earlier remarks on small businesses.
Why “Iya Alakara” Became a Talking Point
The expression “Iya Alakara” has become politically significant because of remarks previously made by the First Lady during an engagement aimed at encouraging economic self-reliance.
At the time, she suggested that Nigerians, particularly those with limited income, could explore small businesses such as:
- selling akara;
- roasting corn;
- selling kuli-kuli;
- engaging in other forms of petty trading.
Her comments were intended to highlight entrepreneurship as a pathway to financial independence.
However, the remarks quickly generated debate.
Critics argued that many Nigerians were looking for broader economic solutions to rising living costs, unemployment and inflation rather than encouragement to enter informal trading.
Supporters, on the other hand, said there was nothing wrong with promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment, especially for people seeking additional sources of income.
The discussion eventually turned “Iya Alakara” into a widely recognised phrase in Nigeria’s political conversation.
Understanding the Meaning of “Iya Alakara”
For readers unfamiliar with Yoruba expressions, “Iya” means mother, while “Alakara” refers to someone who sells akara, the popular fried bean cake enjoyed across many parts of Nigeria.
Akara is more than just a breakfast food.
Across the country, thousands of women and men earn a living through its production and sale.
The business requires relatively modest startup capital compared with many other enterprises, making it one of the informal businesses often recommended to people seeking to generate daily income.
For this reason, the President’s choice of words resonated immediately with many Nigerians who remembered the earlier public debate.
Political Humour and Public Communication
Political leaders around the world occasionally use humour during public appearances to create a relaxed atmosphere or acknowledge topics already circulating in public discourse.
President Tinubu’s remark appears to fall within that tradition.
Whether intentionally or not, the comment acknowledged a phrase that had already become part of Nigeria’s political vocabulary.
Humour can sometimes soften political messaging or demonstrate confidence in addressing previous controversies.
At the same time, it may also revive debates that had begun to fade from public attention.
In this case, the remark accomplished both.
Nigerians React Online
Within minutes of the video’s circulation, reactions began appearing across social media.
Some users praised the President’s willingness to joke publicly with his wife, describing the exchange as warm and relatable.
Others used the opportunity to revisit earlier debates about the First Lady’s comments on entrepreneurship and the economic challenges facing many households.
Several users also pointed out that humour often reflects how political leaders perceive public conversations, making the remark notable beyond the laughter it generated.
Beyond the Joke: Why the Conversation Matters
The renewed attention to the “Iya Alakara” phrase comes at a time when many Nigerians continue to grapple with:
- rising food prices;
- inflation;
- unemployment;
- declining purchasing power;
- increased interest in small businesses and side hustles.
Against this economic backdrop, discussions about entrepreneurship remain highly relevant.
While some citizens see small-scale businesses as practical survival strategies, others argue that lasting economic improvement requires broader policy interventions alongside individual enterprise.
The President’s remark therefore resonates not only because it was humorous, but because it touched on a conversation that continues to shape public discourse about livelihoods and the economy.
Why Akara Businesses Remain a Symbol of Nigeria’s Informal Economy
Although the phrase “Iya Alakara” has become a political catchphrase, it also points to an important aspect of Nigeria’s economy.
Across cities, towns and villages, akara sellers are part of the country’s vast informal sector, which employs millions of Nigerians and provides essential goods and services every day.
For many families, selling akara is more than a source of breakfast for customers—it’s a means of survival.
The business is often chosen because:
- it requires relatively low startup capital;
- ingredients are widely available;
- there is consistent daily demand;
- earnings can be generated quickly.
However, entrepreneurs in the informal sector also face significant challenges, including rising food prices, fluctuating cooking oil costs, high transportation expenses and limited access to affordable credit.
These realities explain why discussions about small businesses often resonate deeply with Nigerians experiencing economic pressure.
The First Lady’s Earlier Comments in Context
The nickname “Iya Alakara” stems from remarks made by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu during a public engagement in which she encouraged Nigerians to consider entrepreneurship and self-employment.
She mentioned ventures such as:
- selling akara;
- roasting corn;
- selling kuli-kuli;
- engaging in other small-scale businesses.
Supporters interpreted the advice as encouragement for people to develop practical skills and create additional income streams, especially in difficult economic times.
Critics, however, argued that many households were struggling because of broader economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living. They felt that while entrepreneurship has value, many Nigerians were looking for policy-driven solutions that would improve purchasing power and create more formal employment opportunities.
The discussion quickly became one of the most talked-about moments involving the First Lady, and the phrase “Iya Alakara” entered Nigeria’s political vocabulary.
When Humour Becomes Political Communication
Humour has long played a role in politics around the world.
Leaders sometimes use jokes to:
- create a relaxed atmosphere;
- acknowledge public debates;
- humanise themselves;
- diffuse criticism;
- connect with audiences.
President Tinubu’s remark appears to fit within that tradition.
By publicly referring to his wife as “Iya Alakara,” he acknowledged a phrase that had already become widely recognised, turning a previous controversy into a moment of shared laughter at a formal event.
Political communication experts often note that humour can be effective because it allows leaders to engage with public conversations without delivering a formal defence or rebuttal.
A Nation Still Focused on the Economy
The reason the remark attracted so much attention extends beyond the joke itself.
For many Nigerians, discussions about akara, roasted corn or small businesses immediately connect with wider concerns about:
- food inflation;
- unemployment;
- household income;
- rising transportation costs;
- the growing number of people operating side businesses.
In recent years, many salaried workers have started small enterprises to supplement their income, while others have turned to petty trading after losing jobs or facing declining purchasing power.
This broader economic context explains why seemingly light-hearted comments about entrepreneurship often generate significant public discussion.
Public Reactions Reflect Different Perspectives
The online reaction to the President’s remark reflected the diversity of public opinion.
Some Nigerians praised the exchange, describing it as a humorous and affectionate interaction between the President and the First Lady.
Others revisited the earlier controversy, arguing that the joke reminded them of unresolved concerns about the country’s economic situation.
There were also observers who viewed the moment as an example of how political leaders sometimes embrace popular nicknames or phrases that emerge from public discourse.
Regardless of individual opinions, the widespread discussion demonstrated how quickly a brief comment can dominate national conversations in the age of social media.
Why Small Businesses Matter in Nigeria
One lesson from the debate is the importance of Nigeria’s small and informal businesses.
Across the country, millions of households depend on micro-enterprises for their livelihood.
These include businesses involved in:
- food vending;
- tailoring;
- hairdressing;
- transport services;
- petty trading;
- artisan work;
- digital freelancing.
Economists frequently describe small businesses as the backbone of employment because they provide income for large numbers of people, particularly where formal jobs are limited.
At the same time, many experts argue that strengthening access to finance, improving infrastructure and reducing business costs are essential if these enterprises are to grow sustainably.
Final Thoughts
President Tinubu’s playful reference to the First Lady as “Iya Alakara” may have lasted only a few seconds, but it reopened a much larger national conversation about entrepreneurship, economic hardship and political messaging.
For some Nigerians, the remark was simply a humorous exchange between a husband and wife during an official event.
For others, it served as a reminder of earlier debates over how political leaders discuss the economic realities facing ordinary citizens.
Whatever interpretation people choose, the widespread reaction illustrates how closely Nigerians follow public statements made by their leaders—and how even a light-hearted comment can spark renewed discussion about the country’s economy, livelihoods and governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Iya Alakara” mean?
“Iya Alakara” is a Yoruba expression that literally means “mother of the akara seller.” Akara is a popular Nigerian bean cake commonly sold as a breakfast snack.
Why did President Tinubu call the First Lady “Iya Alakara”?
The remark appeared to reference earlier comments by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu encouraging Nigerians to consider small businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli to earn income.
Where did the President make the remark?
He made the comment while addressing guests at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House in Abuja on July 2.
Why did the comment trend online?
Many Nigerians connected the nickname to the First Lady’s previous remarks on entrepreneurship, leading to renewed debate about economic conditions and small-business opportunities.
Is selling akara a common business in Nigeria?
Yes. Selling akara is one of the country’s most common small-scale food businesses and provides income for many households across Nigeria.
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