DJ Switch, VeryDarkMan Criticise Remi Tinubu’s ‘Akara, Corn and Kuli-Kuli’ Advice as Debate Over Youth Empowerment Intensifies
A fresh wave of controversy has erupted after Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, encouraged unemployed and financially struggling Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace small-scale businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn, and selling kuli-kuli as a means of earning a living.
The remarks, which were made during a recent public engagement on economic empowerment, have continued to generate mixed reactions across social media and among public commentators. While some Nigerians viewed the statement as an encouragement for entrepreneurship and self-reliance, others argued that it reflects the difficult economic realities confronting millions of citizens amid rising inflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power.
Among the prominent critics is popular activist and disc jockey, DJ Switch, who faulted the First Lady's comments, suggesting that Nigerian youths deserve opportunities that go beyond subsistence trading.
DJ Switch's reaction has since sparked widespread conversations online, with many Nigerians debating the type of empowerment programmes that should be prioritised by government officials.
Adding his voice to the debate, social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), announced that he had increased the funding for his personal vocational empowerment initiative, insisting that acquiring practical skills offers a more sustainable path to financial independence.
In a post shared on his social media platforms, VeryDarkMan wrote:
«"Since you have now seen the plans the First Lady has for Nigerian youth, maybe now you will understand why I give ₦1 million out of the money I make off the media so that people can learn handwork. Well, I don't want you to fry akara, roast corn by the roadside or sell kuli-kuli. The comment section is open; drop your idea and let me pay for it. I have increased the money to ₦1.5 million for six persons to get handwork. Good luck. Say no to akara and corn empowerment. Get handwork. Maybe now una go dey respect me more."»
His comments quickly attracted widespread attention, with supporters praising his decision to sponsor vocational training, while others argued that both skills acquisition and small businesses remain legitimate pathways to economic survival.
The discussion took another dimension after filmmaker Kunle Busari Energie weighed in on the controversy. Although he expressed disagreement with the First Lady's political approach, he cautioned against belittling indigenous Nigerian products because of political disagreements.
According to Busari:
«"While I agree that Madam Tinubu is just a gatecrasher in politics with only selfish agenda, kuli-kuli shouldn't be rubbish because of politics. I made a case for it in the movie Iwalewa, produced by the Kafidipe sisters, Kabira and Aisha. Kuli-kuli has a better chance at competing with digestives, crackers and Danish cookies and is even healthier and more nutritious."»
His remarks shifted part of the public conversation toward the commercial potential of traditional Nigerian foods. Food industry experts have long noted that kuli-kuli, a roasted peanut snack rich in protein, has significant opportunities for value addition through improved processing, branding, packaging, and export. With proper investment, many believe the product could compete with several packaged snacks in both local and international markets.
The debate has also reignited broader conversations about youth empowerment in Nigeria. While critics insist that government policies should focus more on industrialisation, job creation, vocational education, access to business financing, and support for innovation, others maintain that encouraging entrepreneurship at every level—including micro-enterprises—is an important strategy for reducing unemployment.
As reactions continue to pour in, the exchange between the First Lady, DJ Switch, VeryDarkMan, and filmmaker Kunle Busari has become one of the country's most talked-about social issues, highlighting differing opinions on what meaningful economic empowerment should look like for Nigerian youths.
While opinions remain sharply divided, the controversy has once again underscored the growing demand for policies and initiatives that not only encourage entrepreneurship but also create sustainable opportunities capable of improving the long-term economic prospects of millions of Nigerians.
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