THE Presidency has stirred fresh debate on social media after sharing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated image of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, days after her remarks on small-scale businesses drew widespread criticism from Nigerians.
News Point Nigeria reports that the AI-generated image, posted on the Presidency’s official social media accounts on Friday, portrayed the First Lady standing at a roadside akara stand wearing an apron with the inscription, “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.”
The post came days after Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during an interview, stated that micro-enterprises such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli kuli require minimal start-up capital.
She explained that the Federal Government was supporting such small businesses with grants, rather than loans, as part of efforts aimed at improving the livelihoods of Nigerians.
“We’re trying to give hope, and to start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she had said.
The First Lady’s comments generated mixed reactions across social media, with many Nigerians accusing her of being insensitive to the prevailing economic realities in the country, while others defended her, arguing that she was merely highlighting accessible business opportunities for ordinary citizens.
The Presidency’s decision to publish the AI-generated image has further intensified the debate, with supporters describing it as a light-hearted response to critics, while others condemned it as trivialising the economic hardship currently facing millions of Nigerians.
Reacting to the development on X, a user identified as @Top_GunM wrote:
“Warra country. It’s so unfortunate. This is meant to be the wife of the president of the most populous black nation in the world and this is what she’s being reduced to.”
Another user, #mizmuchstella, criticised the Presidency’s media team, saying:
“Whoever is the handler of this account should be sacked. Your job is to position this government as good, but it is obvious you have no basic knowledge of your job.”
Also reacting, #WilverZaddy accused the Presidency of mocking Nigerians amid the country’s economic challenges.
“I hope Nigerians are seeing the man they voted for using them to catch cruise? Is this what a president is supposed to say? A president directly mocking the masses while the economy bites harder with high level of insecurity in the country. Such a big pity and mess.”
Another X user, #ChimaAmako82045, described the AI-generated post as an insult to Nigerians.
“Keep enjoying this mediocrity n insult you are giving Nigerians, e just remain months to vote the idiotic family out of aso rock, and na that time when una wan rig am na him una go know Nigerians pain. Enjoy it while it last but remember it won’t last forever.”
Similarly, #outtahighbee argued that the Presidency’s media team was damaging the image of President Bola Tinubu rather than helping it.
“Lol. You guys are not helping this president of ours at all. You think you are but you keep dragging the old man down and further down with this cruise. Everybody can’t sell akara and kuli kuli now Abi iru wahala wo leleyi gan sef? Oro yin su mi o.”
Another user, #gentrytee22, said the image reflected how poorly the government viewed ordinary Nigerians, describing it as a “nationwide meme.”
“This is to show how small the government of the day rates its citizens. You advocate for mediocrity and call it innovation. People who want better for themselves complain, now it has turned into a nationwide meme being used by the government media team lol. It’s a shame.”
Highlighting the country’s rising cost of living, #AminJaman noted that even akara had become increasingly expensive because of soaring food prices.
“Even akara has becomes more expensive because beans, oil, and transport costs keep rising. The smile is beautiful, but behind it is the reality of soaring food prices, expensive cooking gas, and declining purchasing power.”
However, not all reactions were critical.
Defending the Presidency’s post, #SirTimeyin argued that Nigerians had earlier turned the First Lady’s comments into jokes and memes before criticising the government for doing the same.
“I find it interesting that so many people are suddenly outraged. When the First Lady’s ‘Akara’ comment became content, Nigerians turned it into skits, memes, and endless cruise. We laughed, and moved on. Now the President has added his own quota to the same joke, and everyone is wailing. Why the surprise? Once a national issue becomes entertainment, don’t be shocked when those in power start treating it like one too. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
Also supporting the post, #sto0511M welcomed the AI-generated image and encouraged the Presidency to continue releasing similar content.
“Thank you for this image we want more of these kind images to dish out to them so that they can continue roaming in one roundabout. Abeg pepper 🌶 dem more for us our body sey sweet us with that PBAT statement.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Thursday jokingly referred to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller), in what appeared to be a light-hearted reference to the controversy generated by her comments on small-scale businesses.
The President made the remark while observing protocol during his address at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House in Abuja.
A video of the event, shared by Aso Rock TV on YouTube, showed Tinubu smiling as he acknowledged dignitaries in attendance before turning to recognise the First Lady, drawing attention once again to the now-viral “Iya Alakara” reference.