The President Bola Tinubu Media Centre has sparked widespread debate after sharing an AI-generated image depicting Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, a move that has reignited public reactions to her recent comments encouraging Nigerians to embrace low-cost businesses.
The image, posted on the media centre’s official X account on Friday, shows 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 remarks during an interview where she suggested that businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli kuli require relatively little capital to establish.
According to the First Lady, the Federal Government is supporting such small-scale enterprises through grants rather than loans as part of efforts to improve livelihoods and encourage entrepreneurship.
We’re trying to give hope, and to start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she said.
Her comments quickly divided public opinion. While supporters viewed them as practical advice aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, critics argued that they reflected a disconnect from the economic realities facing millions of Nigerians battling inflation, unemployment and rising living costs.
The AI-generated image has further intensified discussions across social media, with many users questioning the decision by the Presidency’s media team.
Some Nigerians described the post as insensitive, arguing that it trivialised the hardships facing ordinary citizens, while others viewed it as a humorous continuation of an online trend.
One X user, identified as @Top_GunM, wrote:
It’s unfortunate. This is meant to be the wife of the president of the most populous Black nation in the world, and this is what she’s being reduced to.”
Another user, @mizmuchstella, criticized the government’s communications team, saying the social media handler should be removed for failing to project the administration positively.
Similarly, @WilverZaddy accused the Presidency of making light of the country’s economic challenges.
Is this what a president is supposed to say? The economy is biting harder while insecurity remains high. This is disappointing.
Another commenter, @ChimaAmako82045, described the post as an insult to Nigerians, claiming it reflected poor leadership and disrespect for citizens struggling with the country’s economic situation.
Not everyone condemned the AI-generated image.
An X user identified as @outtahighbee argued that although the image was humorous, it risked damaging the President’s public image.
Everybody can’t sell akara and kuli kuli. This kind of cruise is dragging the President down instead of helping him.”
Another commenter, @gentrytee22, said the image showed how little the government valued citizens, describing it as turning a serious national issue into “a nationwide meme.”
However, @SirTimeyin defended the Presidency, arguing that Nigerians themselves had transformed the First Lady’s remarks into jokes long before the government joined the conversation.
When the First Lady’s ‘akara’ comment became content, Nigerians made skits, memes and jokes about it. Now that the President has joined in, everyone is suddenly outraged. Once a national issue becomes entertainment, don’t be surprised when those in power treat it the same way.
Another supporter, @sto0511M, praised the media team for the post and encouraged them to continue producing similar AI-generated content.
The renewed controversy comes just a day after President Bola Tinubu jokingly referred to his wife as “Iya Alakara” (Mother of Akara Seller) during his remarks at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House in Abuja.
His light-hearted comment, coupled with the AI-generated image, has continued to dominate conversations online, with Nigerians remaining sharply divided over whether the Presidency was engaging in harmless humour or displaying insensitivity at a time of economic hardship.
The incident has once again highlighted how political messaging, social media and artificial intelligence are increasingly shaping public discourse in Nigeria, particularly on issues touching the economy and the everyday struggles of citizens.
