First LadySenator Oluremi Tinubu says the Federal Government’s economic support programme covers thousands of petty traders, including tomato, pepper, vegetable and roasted plantain sellers, dismissing claims that it focuses only on akara businesses. Speaking during the inauguration of Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State on Monday, she addressed […]
First LadySenator Oluremi Tinubu says the Federal Government’s economic support programme covers thousands of petty traders, including tomato, pepper, vegetable and roasted plantain sellers, dismissing claims that it focuses only on akara businesses.
Speaking during the inauguration of Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State on Monday, she addressed the public reaction that followed her previous comments on small businesses.
Mrs Tinubu announced that the Federal Government had provided N100 million to the Jigawa State Government to empower 2,000 petty traders across the state through financial support.
She explained that beneficiaries include traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and roasted plantain, adding that the initiative aims to strengthen their businesses and improve their income.
The First Lady said each selected trader would receive N50,000 to recapitalise an existing business, describing the programme as part of the government’s broader effort to improve economic opportunities for low income entrepreneurs.
She insisted that criticism on social media would not stop the administration from implementing its empowerment programmes, noting that many beneficiaries value the support they have received.
Mrs Tinubu also encouraged young Nigerians to explore opportunities in agriculture and other natural resources, saying the country is richly blessed and should not depend solely on oil for economic development.