First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has publicly praised a young Nigerian graduate who turned to selling akara after failing to secure formal employment, revealing that she personally intervened to expand his business, which now employs 12 people. Speaking at the launch of the National Community Food Bank in Lokoja, Kogi State on Saturday, July 12, Tinubu highlighted the graduate's story as a model of entrepreneurial resilience.
First Lady's Remarks on Akara Business
"Akara is delicious, I can tell you that. I recently read an article about a young graduate who sells akara in Abuja and couldn't get a job. We approached him and equipped him more. He now has 12 workers under him, and he's doing very well," Tinubu said from the podium. She framed the story as a success narrative rooted in entrepreneurial resilience, positioning street food vending as a viable livelihood path for educated Nigerians who cannot access formal employment.
Criticism Over Graduate Unemployment Response
The comments drew sharp criticism online, with many Nigerians questioning why the government's response to graduate unemployment is to celebrate street food vending rather than job creation. With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, critics argued that celebrating a graduate's survival in the informal economy reflects a failure of government policy rather than an achievement worth commending. @EEneremadu wrote: "Frying and selling akara should be a well thought out plan not out of frustration of not finding the job one loves. But in this case the young graduate was frustrated to the extent he decided to fry akara instead of dying of hunger. This is the legacy you are creating?"
Public Reactions and Questions
@Mrczar_ questioned whether the First Lady would accept the same standard for her own children: "This woman is doubling down on this talk? would she want her child to fry akara for a living? If not — then why does she think it is okay to sell it to the masses and the children of other women like her?" @emmyscales wrote: "Is this a joke ? how can u equip him more in doing such business, A young graduate for that matter. What happened to using ur influence to getting him a job. If it were to be a non graduate it would have been quite understandable."
Broader Context of Graduate Unemployment
@Uchennamgaeme added: "She isn't daft, she's deliberately dumbing down governance and validating the ignorance of their supporters. Honestly, only those benefiting from the criminality or those trapped in mental slavery can support this APC government." @s0nofcharles wrote: "just imagine what these people are saying.. are they not supose to provide jobs for us? this is enough proof that this country won't get better anytime soon... if yo'all know wat's good yo'll, better take ur japa plans seriously." Legit.ng has previously reported on the growing concerns among young Nigerians over graduate unemployment and the increasing number of degree holders taking up informal sector work to survive.
