Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has defended First Lady Remi Tinubu over her advice encouraging unemployed Nigerian women to embrace small-scale businesses.

 

The First Lady had faced criticism after suggesting that unemployed women could earn a living by frying akara (bean cakes) or selling roasted corn. However, speaking on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, Portable argued that her remarks had been widely misunderstood.

 

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

 

Drawing from his experience abroad, Portable said he met corn sellers in London who were financially successful enough to own luxury vehicles, stressing that the type of business a person does does not determine their level of success.

 

He maintained that with hard work, dedication, and consistency, small-scale enterprises can become profitable ventures capable of transforming lives.