President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shared a light-hearted moment on Thursday when he jokingly referred to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” during the maiden Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

The remark, which drew laughter from guests, appeared to reference the recent public debate surrounding the First Lady’s comments on small-scale businesses.

Tinubu jokes about First Lady

While acknowledging dignitaries at the event, the President introduced his wife with a smile.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” Tinubu said.

The comment was greeted with laughter from the audience and quickly circulated across social media.

Remark follows recent controversy

The President’s joke comes days after the First Lady faced criticism over comments she made during a Renewed Hope Initiative programme, where she encouraged beneficiaries of government grants to consider small businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli kuli.

Following the backlash, Oluremi Tinubu clarified that the empowerment programme was not limited to akara sellers but also supports traders dealing in tomatoes, vegetables, pepper and other petty businesses.

She maintained that the initiative provides grants, not loans, to help small-scale entrepreneurs improve their livelihoods.

Social media reacts

Tinubu’s humorous reference has generated mixed reactions online.

While some Nigerians viewed the moment as a light-hearted attempt to address the ongoing conversation, others argued that the remark came at a time when many citizens continue to grapple with economic hardship and the rising cost of living.

The Presidential Press Corps Dinner was organised to strengthen engagement between the presidency and journalists covering the State House.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara (akara seller).”

– President Bola Tinubu acknowledges his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, during bis speech at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner pic.twitter.com/7RGDxjYzHA

— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) July 2, 2026