“It Is Better For Our Mothers, Girls To Be Selling Akara, Kuli-Kuli And Boli Than To Be Doing Sugar Mummy And Hook Up” – Youth Defend First Lady, Remi Tinubu
A growing number of Nigerian youths have taken to social media to defend Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, after recent discussions surrounding dignity in labour, self-reliance, and the values that should guide young people in the country.
Many supporters believe that there is absolutely nothing shameful about engaging in small-scale businesses such as selling akara, kuli-kuli, boli, roasted corn, fruits, vegetables, or other legitimate means of earning a living. According to them, honest work, regardless of how modest it may appear, is far more respectable than depending on immoral or exploitative relationships for financial survival.
One of the statements currently making rounds online reads:
“It is better for our mothers and girls to be selling akara, kuli-kuli and boli than to be doing sugar mummy or hook up.”
The statement has generated widespread reactions across different social media platforms, with thousands expressing varying opinions.
Dignity in Honest Labour
For many Nigerians, the message goes beyond politics. It highlights the importance of dignity in labour, a principle that has long been promoted in schools, religious institutions, and communities.
Across Nigeria, millions of families have been sustained through small businesses. From roadside food vendors and market traders to artisans and hawkers, these occupations have helped parents train their children through secondary school and even university.
Supporters argue that no legitimate business should ever be looked down upon simply because it generates a modest income.
According to them, every successful entrepreneur starts somewhere, and many of Nigeria’s biggest business owners began with small trading activities before expanding into larger enterprises.
The Rising Hook-Up Culture
In recent years, concerns have continued to grow over the increasing popularity of “hook-up” culture among some young people.
The term generally refers to transactional relationships where intimacy is exchanged for money, gifts, luxury lifestyles, or financial support.
Critics argue that such lifestyles expose young people to numerous dangers, including:
- Emotional trauma
- Sexual exploitation
- Violence
- Blackmail
- Health risks
- Financial dependence
- Loss of personal dignity
Many also warn that social media has contributed significantly by promoting unrealistic lifestyles filled with expensive vacations, luxury cars, designer clothes, and expensive gadgets without showing the legitimate work behind genuine success.
As a result, some youths may feel pressured to seek shortcuts to wealth.
Small Businesses Build Character
Several youth groups defending the First Lady insist that selling food items such as akara, kuli-kuli, roasted plantain (boli), puff-puff, or snacks should never be considered a source of embarrassment.
Instead, they argue that such businesses teach valuable life lessons, including:
- Hard work
- Financial discipline
- Customer service
- Patience
- Entrepreneurship
- Independence
Many successful Nigerians have publicly shared stories of helping their parents in markets or selling goods during their younger years.
Those humble beginnings, they say, became the foundation for future success.
Nigerians React Online
Reactions have continued to pour in from different sections of the country.
Some users praised the message, saying that today’s society has wrongly glorified quick money while looking down on honest work.
Others stressed that every lawful means of earning income deserves respect, regardless of how small the business may appear.
Some commenters also noted that governments at different levels should focus on creating more jobs, improving access to business loans, supporting vocational training, and making it easier for small businesses to thrive.
According to them, encouraging entrepreneurship should go hand in hand with providing opportunities for young people.
Mixed Opinions
Despite the support, not everyone agreed with the statement.
Some Nigerians argued that while promoting honest work is important, economic hardship, unemployment, and inflation have made survival increasingly difficult for many families.
They believe the conversation should not simply compare legitimate businesses with immoral activities but should also address the structural challenges facing young Nigerians.
Others maintained that government policies aimed at reducing poverty, improving education, and creating employment opportunities remain essential in tackling the root causes that push some individuals toward risky choices.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship
Across Nigeria, there are countless examples of young entrepreneurs turning small businesses into thriving enterprises.
Food vending, baking, fashion design, hairdressing, tailoring, digital services, farming, photography, and online businesses have become important sources of income for millions.
Many experts encourage young people to develop practical skills that can provide sustainable income while reducing dependence on others.
With consistency, discipline, and proper financial management, even a modest business can grow into a successful enterprise over time.
A Message Beyond Politics
Supporters insist that the ongoing conversation should not be viewed solely through a political lens.
Rather, they believe it serves as a reminder that every society flourishes when honest work is respected and when integrity is valued above shortcuts to wealth.
Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community members all have important roles to play in encouraging young people to pursue lawful means of livelihood while building skills that can improve their future.
The statement defending First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has sparked a broader national conversation about work, morality, and economic survival in Nigeria.
While opinions remain divided, many agree on one important point: there is dignity in every honest job.
Whether it is selling akara, kuli-kuli, boli, fruits, vegetables, operating a small shop, learning a trade, or starting a business, legitimate work contributes positively to society and provides a foundation for long-term growth.
At the same time, many Nigerians continue to call for stronger economic policies, improved employment opportunities, and greater support for entrepreneurship so that young people can pursue decent livelihoods without feeling pressured into unsafe or exploitative situations.
Ultimately, the debate reflects a wider desire to see a society where hard work is rewarded, entrepreneurship is encouraged, and every individual has the opportunity to earn a living with dignity and self-respect.
