Disc jockey and activist, DJ Switch, has criticised Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, following her comments encouraging women to embrace small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli kuli as a means of livelihood.
Speaking during an interview, the First Lady highlighted the importance of micro-enterprises, saying they require minimal startup capital.
She also explained that the government’s support for such businesses comes in the form of grants rather than loans.
“We’re trying to give hope, and to start the Akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she said.
DJ Switch, whose real name is Obianuju Udeh, responded through her Instagram Stories, expressing strong disapproval of the First Lady’s position. She argued that the government should prioritise building infrastructure and creating opportunities that equip Nigerians to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world instead of promoting subsistence businesses.
“With absolutely no due respect, Remi! Thunder fire you! While other nations are creating spaces and infrastructure to develop their people for this rapidly technologically advancing world, you want us to sell kuli kuli?” she wrote.
She further criticised those supporting the First Lady’s comments, adding, “And the otondo’s behind you are nodding their greedy necks! I can’t express how much I despise you, people.”
DJ Switch gained international attention after livestreaming the shooting of unarmed #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020. She subsequently went into hiding after alleging that her life was under threat.
