Nigeria, July 3 -- President Bola Tinubu on Thursday jokingly referred to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as "Iya Alakara" during the annual Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja.

The remark referenced the First Lady's recent comments encouraging vulnerable Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses such as frying akara and roasting corn, remarks that sparked widespread criticism on social media.

The annual dinner, hosted by the President, brings together journalists accredited to cover the Presidency and senior government officials.

Addressing journalists at the dinner, Mr Tinubu affectionately described the First Lady as "My dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara," drawing laughter from guests.

The remark was widely interpreted as a ...