An AI-generated image of Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, frying akara has ignited fresh debate online, days after her remarks on micro-enterprises drew widespread criticism.
The artwork, shared on official social media channels, shows Mrs Tinubu at a roadside frying stand. The caption on her apron reads: “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.”
The post followed an interview in which the First Lady said small-scale businesses required little capital to start.
“We’re trying to give hope, and to start an akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much,” she said.
“We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she added, referring to federal government support for micro-enterprises.
Her comments went viral. Many Nigerians accused her of being out of touch with the country’s economic hardship. Others defended her, saying she was highlighting practical avenues for self-employment.
In what appeared to be a light-hearted response to the backlash, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday addressed his wife as “Iya Alakara” at a public event.
The remark was widely interpreted as an endorsement of the AI image and a reference to the controversy over the First Lady’s comments on small businesses.
Reactions online remained divided. Supporters described the image and the President’s comment as playful and relatable. Critics called both insensitive, arguing they trivialised the economic difficulties facing many households.
The episode has intensified discussion on social media about government messaging and the cost of living.
