By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
Prince Orji Nwafor-Orizu, Principal Partner at Friends Chambers and National President of the Society for the Advancement of Democracy (SAD), on Monday defended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s plan to grant women funds to start small businesses like Akara frying.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja, Nwafor-Orizu said there was nothing demeaning in the First Lady’s comment, noting that many women are already thriving in such trades.
He cited the example of a woman in his village who employs 12 people in an Akara drying business, and others who have built houses and trained children from proceeds of similar ventures.
“Everybody cannot do one business. Others must sell in shops, others must farm, others must be lawyers and doctors. The bigger question should be, how well are you doing in what you are doing?” he said.
The lawyer emphasized that the First Lady spoke of “grants, not loans,” and urged government to support men and women in petty trading who have no capital.
He added that if the nickname “Mama Akara” was given to the First Lady, she should adopt it with pride because it shows she is connected to grassroots people.
However, Nwafor-Orizu faulted the reported plan to distribute vehicles, among others to some women for campaign purposes, saying the campaign season had not started.
“The First Lady remains the mother of the nation. All the money she is using is Nigerian money, not party money. Campaign has not opened,” he stated.
He argued that giving benefits only to APC women was wrong, adding that Nigeria’s presidency is for everybody, including voters and members of other parties like NDC, ADC and PRP.
On the issue of government fulfilling promises, he said he was not being partisan but stressed the need for government to “help and actualize” the grant initiative.
He also commented on calls for Afrobeats artistes to float foundations, saying artistes like Burna Boy made their money legitimately and should be allowed to spend it as they wish.
Nwafor-Orizu concluded that legislators should help in identifying genuine women to benefit from the grant, adding that the First Lady had done nothing wrong by making the suggestion.
