In a light-hearted moment that brought laughter to the audience, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu affectionately referred to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” during the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.
The President made the remark while acknowledging dignitaries and guests in his address. “Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” he said, eliciting warm applause and chuckles from those present.
The playful nickname follows recent comments by the First Lady encouraging Nigerian women and youths to embrace small-scale entrepreneurship through initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Senator Oluremi Tinubu had highlighted the potential of businesses such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasted corn, kuli-kuli, and other petty trades, noting that they require relatively modest capital to start and have been supported by grants distributed via the Renewed Hope Initiative.
While her remarks sparked lively public debate on social media about economic realities, President Tinubu’s humorous reference underscored the couple’s shared commitment to empowering citizens at the grassroots level and their ability to engage with public discourse in a relatable and good-natured manner.
The event celebrated the vital role of the media in nation-building, with the President also urging journalists to focus on substantive reporting while reaffirming his administration’s dedication to press freedom.
Quote from the Event: “Iya Alakara” – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, referring to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The Presidency views this moment as a celebration of resilience, entrepreneurship, and the human side of leadership, reinforcing the message that every small business contributes to Nigeria’s economic growth.