President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday referred to his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller) during the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
“My dear wife, First Lady, Iya Alakara.”
– President Tinubu playfully remarks about his wife, Remi Tinubu, regarding her recent comments on Akara during tonight’s Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House Banquet Hall. pic.twitter.com/hzz99pRkR2
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) July 2, 2026
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The light-hearted remark came as the President acknowledged dignitaries and guests attending the event, which brought together members of the State House Press Corps and senior government officials.
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“Gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, the Iya Alakara,” President Tinubu said.
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The comment drew laughter from some guests and was made in the presence of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other government officials and journalists.
The President’s choice of words appeared to reference a recent viral video in which the First Lady encouraged Nigerians, particularly women, to embrace entrepreneurship and small-scale businesses.
During her remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu had advised Nigerians not to despise modest beginnings, using the example of frying and selling akara (bean cakes) as a simple business that could provide income.
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Her comments generated widespread discussion across social media, with reactions divided between those who viewed the message as encouraging self-reliance and others who argued it did not adequately address the country’s economic challenges.
The event was the first Presidential Press Corps Dinner hosted by the Tinubu administration and provided an opportunity for the President to appreciate journalists covering activities at the Presidential Villa.
The gathering was attended by senior government officials, presidential aides and members of the media.
