Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over her recent remarks encouraging unemployed Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses.

The First Lady had faced criticism after advising unemployed women to consider ventures such as frying akara (bean cakes) and selling roasted corn as a means of earning a living.

Reacting to the controversy during an episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, Portable argued that Mrs Tinubu’s comments had been widely misunderstood.

According to the singer, there is dignity and profitability in small-scale businesses, noting that many successful Nigerians were raised by parents who financed their education through petty trading.

He said many mothers built their families’ future by selling items such as pepper, akara and roasted corn, stressing that such businesses should not be looked down upon.

Portable also cited his experience during a visit to the United Kingdom, claiming he met roasted corn sellers in London who owned luxury vehicles.

He maintained that small businesses can be highly profitable when properly managed and urged Nigerians to change their perception of petty trading rather than dismissing the First Lady’s advice.