Iya Alakara?” Nigerians React To AI-Generated Image Of First Lady Shared By Tinubu’s Media

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre has stirred fresh debate after sharing an AI-generated image depicting Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, days after her remarks on small-scale businesses sparked widespread discussion on social media.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The image, posted on the Presidency’s official social media platforms on Friday, showed the First Lady at a roadside akara stand wearing an apron bearing the inscription: “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.”

The post followed comments by Oluremi Tinubu during a recent interview in which she encouraged Nigerians to explore micro-businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli kuli, saying such ventures require relatively little capital to start.

She explained that the Federal Government was supporting small entrepreneurs through grants rather than loans as part of efforts to promote self-reliance and improve livelihoods.

“We’re trying to give people hope. Starting an akara business doesn’t require much money. The same applies to roasting corn or making kuli kuli. We didn’t give them loans; we gave them grants,” the First Lady had said.

Her remarks generated mixed reactions, with some Nigerians arguing that the comments appeared disconnected from the country’s current economic realities, while others defended her, saying she was simply highlighting accessible business opportunities for people with limited resources.

The publication of the AI-generated image has further fuelled the conversation.

Supporters described the post as a humorous response to online criticism and an effort to reinforce the First Lady’s message on entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Critics, however, argued that the image trivialised the economic hardship many Nigerians are facing amid rising living costs, food inflation and unemployment.

The debate comes against the backdrop of continued public concern over the impact of recent economic reforms and the rising cost of living.

For many critics, the issue extends beyond whether small businesses can provide income; they argue it also raises broader questions about whether public officials fully appreciate the economic challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.

Social Media Reactions

The AI image attracted a wide range of responses from Nigerians on social media.

One user, @SirTimeyin, wrote that the outrage was surprising, arguing that Nigerians had already turned the First Lady’s original comments into jokes, memes and skits before the Presidency joined in with the AI image.

Another user, @ceeseefirs33701, praised the First Lady, describing her as humble and commending her message about hard work and entrepreneurship.

On the other hand, @kachi_nnochiri criticised the administration, describing it as “tone deaf,” while @mizmuchstella questioned the judgment of the social media team behind the post, suggesting it reflected poor communication strategy.

Several other users expressed frustration, arguing that the image was insensitive to the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians, while others defended it as harmless satire.

The AI-generated post has since continued to generate intense debate online, reflecting the broader public divide over the First Lady’s remarks and the government’s messaging on economic hardship.