Small Business Archives

The Director General of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), Ahmed Bala, has appealed to Nigerians to look beyond political interpretations of Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s recent remarks on small-scale businesses, describing them as a message about entrepreneurship, dignity of labour and personal responsibility. The First Lady’s comments became a subject of public discussion after she spoke about the empowerment efforts of the Renewed Hope Initiative during its second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors at the State House in Abuja. While highlighting the initiative’s support for vulnerable Nigerians, Mrs Tinubu explained that beneficiaries were receiving grants rather than loans to enable them to start income-generating activities. She referenced businesses such as akara production, roasted corn and other small ventures as examples of opportunities that could help individuals build livelihoods. Her statement quickly generated reactions online, with some Nigerians arguing that suggesting small businesses as solutions to unemployment ignored the wider economic difficulties facing citizens. However, Ahmed Bala rejected the criticism, saying the remarks should not be viewed as an attack on unemployed Nigerians but as encouragement for self-reliance. According to Bala, the central message was that Nigerians should consider creating opportunities where possible instead of waiting only for formal employment. He said many citizens who seek better opportunities abroad often accept challenging jobs because they understand the value of earning through legitimate work. Bala pointed out that Nigerians working in other countries take up various occupations, including caregiving, cleaning services and other forms of labour, without seeing such jobs as beneath them. He argued that the same attitude should apply within Nigeria, where every honest occupation should be respected. Debate Over Jobs, Economy And Entrepreneurship The controversy surrounding the First Lady’s remarks comes amid ongoing concerns about inflation, rising living costs and employment challenges affecting many households. Nigeria has experienced increasing conversations around entrepreneurship and skills development as more citizens explore alternative income sources outside traditional employment. Supporters of small business initiatives often argue that micro-enterprises can provide immediate income opportunities, while critics maintain that government policies must also address broader economic conditions that make survival difficult for many families. Bala said the country’s economic progress requires cooperation between government efforts and citizens’ willingness to develop skills, innovate and participate in productive activities. “The future of any nation depends on the contribution of its people,” he stated, stressing that national development cannot rely solely on government intervention. Call For A Shift In Mindset The RTIFN Director General further compared Nigeria’s development journey with countries that achieved rapid economic growth through strong work ethics, innovation and entrepreneurship. He encouraged Nigerians to focus more on building skills, starting legitimate businesses and exploring creative ways to improve their economic situation. According to him, the discussion should move away from political arguments and toward practical solutions that help citizens become more economically active. The debate over Mrs Tinubu’s statement continues to highlight a larger national conversation about unemployment, economic pressure, entrepreneurship and the role of individuals in overcoming financial challenges. For many Nigerians, the key question remains how government support programmes and citizen-driven businesses can work together to create sustainable economic opportunities.