President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred fresh reactions after playfully referring to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” during the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held on Thursday night.
The light-hearted remark comes days after the First Lady’s comments encouraging Nigerians to consider small businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli attracted widespread criticism on social media.
While addressing guests at the event, President Tinubu greeted the audience before turning to his wife with a smile.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara (mother of akara seller),” the President said, drawing laughter and reactions from those in attendance.
His comment quickly went viral online, with many Nigerians interpreting it as an acknowledgment that the Presidency is aware of the public debate surrounding the First Lady’s earlier remarks.
The viral moment triggered mixed reactions across social media.
One X user, identified as Paulie, wrote:
“So them dey actually follow social media and dem hear our lament and most times do nothing. I thought he is deaf like him predecessor. God will judge this government.”
Another user, Equity, claimed the First Lady’s earlier statement was intended to divert attention from more pressing national issues.
“Let me remind you all that this woman intentionally said that thing a few days ago because it was a planned script to distract Nigerians from the reality and main issues of this nation.”
However, another user, Odeyinde, argued that the criticism would have little effect on the administration.
“Omo e too sweet me say this man no send una at all. Make una siddan for X dey drag them as if it will change anything.”
The First Lady’s remarks have remained one of the country’s most talked-about political topics in recent days, with public figures, celebrities and ordinary Nigerians continuing to debate her comments about small-scale businesses and economic empowerment.
Watch the video below…
“Good evening, gentlemen of the press. My dear wife, First Lady, Iya Alakara.” 😄
— President Bola Tinubu acknowledges First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner pic.twitter.com/LKIQKVGrsX— NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) July 3, 2026
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