I Would Rather Join Bandits Than Sell Kulikuli And Akara – Mr Real

Nigerian singer Mr Real has criticized remarks by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, encouraging Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli.

The First Lady, while speaking about the activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative, said the programme provides grants—not loans—to help vulnerable Nigerians start small businesses.

She said:

“To start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn or kuli-kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave them a grant. We have encouraged Nigerians as best as we could.”

Reacting in a series of posts on Instagram, Mr Real rejected the suggestion, expressing frustration over the country’s economic situation. In one post, he used violent rhetoric to emphasize his dissatisfaction, saying he would rather become a bandit than engage in petty trading. There is no indication he was announcing an actual intention to commit a crime.

Meanwhile, Nigerian disc jockey DJ Switch also criticized the First Lady’s comments.

In a post on Instagram, DJ Switch argued that while other countries are investing in infrastructure and creating opportunities for their citizens, Nigerians were being encouraged to focus on small-scale trading instead.

Her reaction has added to the online debate over the First Lady’s remarks, with many Nigerians expressing differing opinions on whether promoting small businesses is an adequate response to the country’s economic challenges.