“I’m ashamed “ – APC Chieftain Joe Igbokwe reacts to First Lady Petty trade advise

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has expressed disappointment over the wave of criticism directed at Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following her recent remarks encouraging entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.

The controversy erupted after a video circulated online showing the First Lady advising unemployed Nigerians to consider starting small businesses, using the example of frying and selling akara as a simple way to earn a living. Her comments quickly sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many young Nigerians arguing that the government should focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities rather than suggesting petty trading.

Responding to the criticism, Igbokwe took to his Facebook page on Saturday, where he condemned those attacking the First Lady. He described her remarks as sincere advice intended to encourage self-reliance and questioned why such guidance had attracted insults and ridicule.

According to him, social media has increasingly become a platform where people attack others even when genuine advice is offered. He lamented what he described as the growing culture of abuse online, saying the conduct of many users had left him deeply ashamed.

Igbokwe further criticized what he called “empty-headed mobs” for using the opportunity to mock the First Lady, insisting that Nigerians would eventually come to appreciate the value of personal initiative and hard work.