Singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has defended Oluremi Tinubu following criticism over her advice encouraging unemployed Nigerian women to embrace small-scale businesses.
The First Lady recently faced backlash after suggesting that unemployed women could earn a living by frying akara (bean cakes) or selling roasted corn, with many critics arguing that the advice failed to address Nigeria's economic realities.
Speaking on a recent episode of *The Honest Bunch Podcast*, Portable said the First Lady's remarks had been misunderstood.
“Nigerians misunderstood what Remi Tinubu meant,” he said.
The singer argued that many successful Nigerians were raised by parents who supported their families through petty trading, adding that small businesses can be profitable.
“If you look at many wealthy people in this country, their mothers trained them by selling pepper and roasted corn,” Portable said.
Citing his experience during a visit to London, the singer said he encountered a roasted corn seller who appeared to be doing well financially.
“When I went to London, I even saw someone selling corn while using a Benz,” he added.
Portable's remarks come amid continued public debate over the First Lady's comments and whether promoting small-scale entrepreneurship is a practical response to unemployment in Nigeria.
