Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, has publicly defended First Lady Remi Tinubu over her controversial advice encouraging unemployed women to embrace small-scale businesses like frying akara and selling roasted corn. The singer argued that many Nigerians misunderstood what the First Lady intended to communicate.
Portable's Defense on The Honest Bunch Podcast
Speaking on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, Portable insisted that Remi Tinubu's comments had been widely misinterpreted. According to him, the First Lady was merely encouraging people to take advantage of available opportunities instead of remaining idle. He noted that many wealthy Nigerians were raised by parents who earned honest incomes through roadside businesses.
“Nigerians misunderstood what Remi Tinubu meant. If you look at many wealthy people in this country, their mothers trained them by selling pepper and roasted corn,” Portable said. He added that selling everyday items should never be seen as a source of shame and that such businesses had changed the lives of many families over the years.
Personal Example from London
To further support his argument, Portable recounted an experience during one of his trips abroad. According to him, he saw someone selling roasted corn in London while driving a luxury Mercedes-Benz. “When I went to London, I even saw someone selling corn while using a Benz,” he stated, emphasizing that small businesses can lead to success.
Reactions from Social Media Users
Portable's defense sparked mixed reactions online. User @auskieeee commented: “Portable actually has a point here. No honest business is small, but people will always focus on one part and ignore the full message.” However, @Cockykelvin wrote: “I don't know about anybody ooo but I don't think I ever want to hear anything Portable is saying.” Another user, @Jofirst11, noted: “No mind them... something they squeeze them for brain for that country.” @mustapha13641 added: “Potable self get brain pass obidient.”
Background on Remi Tinubu's Advice
First Lady Remi Tinubu had advised women without jobs to consider businesses such as frying akara, selling roasted corn, and other small-scale ventures to earn a living. Her remarks quickly divided opinions online, with critics arguing that the advice failed to address the country's worsening economic realities and rising unemployment. Portable's defense aligns with his personal belief in the dignity of starting small.
Portable's Previous Controversies
Portable is no stranger to public disputes. Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Portable leaked a private WhatsApp chat involving Ashabi Simple and an Islamic cleric amid their ongoing feud. In the chat, Ashabi confessed her love for a man named Kenny Hussein, who is not the father of her children, and expressed frustration that her feelings were not returned. Portable shared the chat online with the caption, “This life just be real loyalty pass juju,” following Ashabi’s earlier claim that he was a “one-minute man.”
