A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has expressed disappointment over the backlash directed at Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following her recent remarks encouraging entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
The controversy began after a viral video showed the First Lady advising unemployed Nigerians to embrace small and medium-scale businesses, using the example of frying and selling akara as a viable means of earning a living.
Her comments sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians accusing the government of failing to create enough employment opportunities and arguing that citizens should not be encouraged to settle for petty trading.
Reacting to the criticism in a Facebook post on Saturday, Igbokwe defended the First Lady, describing her advice as sincere and well-intentioned.
He lamented what he described as the growing culture of online abuse, saying he was deeply ashamed by the reactions of many social media users.
“This generation frightens me to the marrows. An honest advice HE Oluremi Tinubu gave to young Nigerians on how to help themselves has become a tool to abuse and to pour invectives.
“Social Media has become a tool to unleash scurrilous drivels even when the truth is spoken.
“We will learn las las. See the empty heads and headless mobs dancing naked in the public space left and right. Awon werey everywhere. Shame has enveloped me,” he wrote.
The First Lady’s comments have continued to generate mixed reactions, with supporters describing her advice as practical, while critics insist the government should focus on creating sustainable jobs and improving economic conditions rather than encouraging informal businesses.
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