Tinubu Gives First Lady New Nickname Amid Growing Public Reactions

(President Bola Tinubu. Photo Credit: Nation News)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja, playfully gave the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, the nickname “Iya Alakara.” 

A reference to her recent advice urging women to take up the sale of affordable snacks such as fried bean cakes as a way of coping with the current economic hardship.

The remark came in the wake of controversy sparked by her comments on small-scale trading amid soaring food prices.

With reactions online divided between those who found the President’s humour endearing and those who felt it was tone-deaf given the country’s ongoing security challenges.

Beyond the light-hearted moment, the President charged journalists to prioritise factual reporting over sensationalism, pointed to progress made on the economy and the fight against terrorism, and was subsequently honoured as Grand Patron of the press corps.

“My dear wife, First Lady, Iya Alakara.”

– President Tinubu playfully remarks about his wife, Remi Tinubu, regarding her recent comments on Akara during tonight’s Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House Banquet Hall. pic.twitter.com/hzz99pRkR2

— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) July 2, 2026