Tinubu Office Posts AI Image of First Lady Selling Akara

The office of President Bola Tinubu has shared an artificial intelligence-generated image of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu frying and selling akara, a popular bean cake, deepening a public controversy over her recent remarks on small-scale entrepreneurship. The image, posted on official social media accounts on Friday, July 3, depicts the First Lady at a roadside stand wearing an apron inscribed "Iya Alakara, fuelling the nation with love."

The post follows days of intense public debate sparked by the First Lady's comments, made during an event in Abuja, where she encouraged women and young people to consider businesses requiring modest startup capital, such as selling akara, roasted corn, or kulikuli. She explained that her office's empowerment program provides grants, not loans, to support such ventures as part of efforts to improve livelihoods.

Her suggestion drew sharp criticism from many Nigerians who viewed it as trivializing severe economic hardships, including soaring food prices and high unemployment. Supporters, however, argued she was highlighting accessible opportunities for income generation.

The AI image has further polarized opinion. Some social media users praised it...