Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has encouraged citizens to consider starting small businesses as a practical way to improve household income, saying many ventures require only modest capital to get off the ground.
Speaking after a meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with the wives of state governors in Abuja, the First Lady said the programme continues to support vulnerable Nigerians through grants rather than loans, allowing beneficiaries to launch or expand small enterprises without the burden of repayment.
She pointed to everyday businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as examples of low-cost ventures that can generate a steady income when properly managed.
According to Mrs Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Initiative has focused on helping communities through economic empowerment, while also supporting projects in healthcare, agriculture, education and digital skills development.
She said the initiative aims to complement broader government programmes by providing direct assistance to women, young entrepreneurs and vulnerable households across the country.
The remarks have generated mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians welcomed the emphasis on entrepreneurship and self-employment, others argued that the country’s economic challenges require broader structural reforms alongside support for small businesses.
The Renewed Hope Initiative has continued to expand its activities through grants, training programmes and community-based interventions designed to improve livelihoods in different parts of Nigeria.