The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre has sparked fresh reactions after sharing an AI-generated image depicting First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, days after her remarks about small-scale businesses drew widespread criticism.
The image, shared on Friday, showed the First Lady operating a roadside akara stand while wearing an apron bearing the inscription, “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.”
The post followed Mrs Tinubu’s recent comments that businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli kuli require relatively little capital to establish.
She had explained that the Federal Government was supporting such businesses through grants rather than loans, saying the initiative was aimed at improving the livelihoods of Nigerians. According to the First Lady, starting ventures such as akara, roasted corn or kuli kuli production does not require much capital, adding that beneficiaries received grants instead of loans.
Her remarks triggered widespread debate, with critics accusing her of being disconnected from the country’s economic realities, while supporters argued that she was simply highlighting affordable business opportunities.
The AI-generated image has since fuelled further discussions on social media. While some users described it as a humorous response to the criticism, others argued that it mocked Nigerians grappling with rising living costs.
Reacting on X, user @Top_GunM described the image as unfortunate, arguing that it reduced the wife of the president of Africa’s most populous nation to a subject of ridicule.
Another user, #mizmuchstella, criticised the Presidency’s media team, calling for the dismissal of the account handler and accusing the team of failing in its responsibility to project the government positively.
Also reacting, #WilverZaddy said the post amounted to the President mocking Nigerians despite the country’s economic hardship and insecurity.
Another X user, #ChimaAmako82045, described the image as an insult to Nigerians, expressing confidence that the administration would eventually be voted out of office.
User #outtahighbee argued that the Presidency was damaging its own image, saying the social media team was doing more harm than good by turning a serious national issue into entertainment.
Similarly, #gentrytee22 described the image as evidence that the government undervalued its citizens, accusing it of promoting mediocrity instead of meaningful innovation.
Offering a different perspective, #SirTimeyin defended the Presidency, noting that many Nigerians had already turned the First Lady’s comments into memes and jokes online. He argued that once a national issue becomes entertainment, it should not be surprising if those in government also respond in a similar manner.
Another X user, #sto0511M, welcomed the image and encouraged the Presidency to release more similar content.
President Bola Tinubu had on Thursday jokingly referred to the First Lady as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller) while speaking at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House in Abuja.NAN
