The Presidency has stirred fresh controversy after sharing an AI-generated image of Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, a move that has intensified online debate over her recent comments on small-scale businesses.

The image, posted on the official social media platforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre on Friday, depicts the First Lady standing behind a roadside akara stand wearing an apron with the inscription, "Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love."

The post comes just days after Senator Tinubu's remarks during an interview, where she encouraged Nigerians to embrace low-capital businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli kuli, saying the Federal Government was supporting such ventures through grants rather than loans.

"We're trying to give hope, and to start 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 had said.

Her comments generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians arguing that the remarks failed to reflect the harsh economic realities confronting millions of citizens. Others, however, defended the First Lady, insisting she was merely pointing to affordable business opportunities available to people with limited capital.

The Presidency's decision to release the AI-generated image has further polarised opinion, with supporters describing it as a humorous response to online criticism, while critics accused the government of making light of the country's economic challenges.

Reacting on X, user @Top_GunM wrote:

"Warra country. It's so unfortunate. This is meant to be the wife of the president of the most populous black nation in the world and this is what she's being reduced to."

Another user, #mizmuchstella, criticised the Presidency's media team.

"Whoever is the handler of this account should be sacked. Your job is to position this government as good, but it is obvious you have no basic knowledge of your job."

Also reacting, #WilverZaddy accused the administration of mocking struggling Nigerians.

"I hope Nigerians are seeing the man they voted for using them to catch cruise? Is this what a president is supposed to say? A president directly mocking the masses while the economy bites harder with high level of insecurity in the country. Such a big pity and mess."

Another X user, #ChimaAmako82045 (CHEQNBALNCE) described the AI post as insulting.

"Keep enjoying this mediocrity n insult you are giving Nigerians, e just remain months to vote the idiotic family out of Aso Rock, and na that time when una wan rig am na him una go know Nigerians pain. Enjoy it while it last but remember it won't last forever."

User #outtahighbee (Straight) argued that the Presidency was damaging its own public image.

"Lol, you guys are not helping this president of ours at all. You think you are but you keep dragging the old man down and further down with this cruise. Everybody can't sell akara and kuli kuli now abi iru wahala wo leleyi gan sef? Oro yin su mi o."

Similarly, #gentrytee22 (Gentry☮️) said the image reflected how poorly the government viewed ordinary Nigerians.

"This is to show how small the government of the day rates its citizens. You advocate for mediocrity and call it innovation. People who want better for themselves complain, now it has to turn to a nationwide meme being used by the government media team. It's a shame."

Drawing attention to rising living costs, #AminJaman (Bruno Fernandes broda) noted that even akara had become increasingly expensive.

"Even akara has become more expensive because beans, oil, and transport costs keep rising. The smile is beautiful, but behind it is the reality of soaring food prices, expensive cooking gas, and declining purchasing power."

Not all reactions were critical.

Defending the Presidency, #SirTimeyin (Tim Oma) argued that many Nigerians had initially turned the First Lady's remarks into jokes before criticising the government for doing the same.

"I find it interesting that so many people are suddenly outraged. When the First Lady's 'Akara' comment became content, Nigerians turned it into skits, memes, and endless cruise. We laughed and moved on. Now the President has added his own quota to the same joke, and everyone is wailing. Why the surprise? Once a national issue becomes entertainment, don't be shocked when those in power start treating it like one too. What's good for the goose is good for the gander."

Another supporter, #sto0511M (Sta M) welcomed the AI image and urged the Presidency to release more similar content.

"Thank you for this image. We want more of these kind images to dish out to them so that they can continue roaming in one roundabout. Abeg pepper dem more for us; our body sey sweet us with that PBAT statement."

The controversy follows President Bola Tinubu's own light-hearted reference to his wife as "Iya Alakara" (Mama Akara Seller) during Thursday's Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House in Abuja.

While observing protocol before delivering his address, the President smiled as he acknowledged dignitaries in attendance before referring to the First Lady by the now-viral nickname, a moment captured in a video later shared by Aso Rock TV on YouTube.

The AI-generated image and the President's remark have continued to fuel discussions across social media, highlighting the sharp divide in public opinion over the government's messaging amid persistent economic hardship and rising living costs in Nigeria.