Mr Real Rejects First Lady’s Akara Advice, Says He’d Rather Join Bandits

Mr Real Rejects First Lady’s Advice

Nigerian singer Mr Real has ignited a firestorm after declaring that he would rather become a bandit than take First Lady Remi Tinubu’s advice to venture into small‑scale businesses such as selling akara, kulikuli or roasted corn.

First Lady’s Small‑Business Initiative

During a recent outreach, Remi Tinubu highlighted the Renewed Hope Initiative, explaining that the programme provides grants—not loans—to vulnerable Nigerians who wish to start modest enterprises. She emphasized that launching an akara or kuli‑kuli stall requires little capital and that the government has done its best to encourage entrepreneurship.

“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.”
First Lady Remi Tinubu

Mr Real’s Controversial Response

In a series of Instagram posts, Mr Real dismissed the suggestion outright.

“I go rather join bandit than to sell kulikuli and Akara. And my target will be politicians. At least if am being caught they will habitat me. So is worth the risk.”

He argued that petty trading does not address the nation’s economic challenges and expressed a preference for targeting corrupt officials if he were to turn to crime.

DJ Switch Joins the Criticism

Female disc jockey DJ Switch (Obianuju Catherine Udeh) also weighed in real life) also condemned the First Lady’s stance, comparing it unfavourably to the infrastructure investments seen in other countries.

“With absolute no due respect Remi! Thunder fire you! While other nations are creating spaces and infrastructure to develop their people for this rapidly developing world, you want us to sell kuli‑kuli? And the otondo’s behind you are nodding their greedy necks! I can’t express how much I despise you, people.”
DJ Switch

The remarks have triggered widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether encouraging low‑cost street vending is a realistic solution to the country’s deep‑rooted economic woes.