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ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Convener of the Progressive Next Generation Initiative (PNGi), Hon. Jeffery Omoh Ozemegwa, has defended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over the controversy surrounding her recent comments encouraging young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 26, 2026, Ozemegwa said the First Lady’s remarks had been largely misconstrued by some members of Generation Z and opposition figures, insisting that Senator Tinubu spoke from the perspective of a concerned mother who desires the progress and prosperity of the nation’s youth.
According to him, Nigeria’s youth population remains one of the country’s greatest assets, with young people playing increasingly active roles in politics, governance, and economic development. However, he noted that many young Nigerians, particularly those within Generation Z, often react swiftly to issues through social media without fully appreciating the context of certain statements.
“Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s comments were intended to inspire self-reliance and creativity among young Nigerians. Every parent who genuinely cares about the future of this country would encourage young people to explore opportunities that can help them become economically independent,” he said.
The PNGi Convener explained that Generation Z, generally defined as individuals born between 1997 and 2012, are digital natives whose experiences have been heavily shaped by social media and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Millennials, on the other hand, came of age during significant economic and technological transformations.
Ozemegwa, who identified himself as a Millennial, said the First Lady’s reference to traditional small-scale businesses resonated with the realities many Nigerians experienced while growing up.
“Many of us witnessed our mothers, aunties, and older sisters engage in petty trading and small businesses to support their families. There is dignity in honest labour, and countless successful entrepreneurs today began with very modest ventures,” he stated.
The controversy followed Senator Tinubu’s suggestion that Nigerian youths, particularly women, should consider producing and marketing indigenous products such as kulikuli as a means of generating income and escaping poverty.
Sharing her personal experience, the First Lady recalled how her mother traded in kulikuli and other local products sourced from Northern Nigeria. She also cited examples of individuals who have built successful businesses by exporting traditional Nigerian condiments to international markets.
Backing the First Lady’s position, the Progressive Next Generation Initiative said it believes her comments were made in good faith and should not be politicised or used to create division among young Nigerians.
The group further urged the country’s youth to embrace entrepreneurship and utilise their talents and acquired skills to establish small and medium-scale enterprises capable of driving personal and national development.
“We stand firmly with Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the growth and empowerment of the next generation. Her message was one of hope, resilience, and self-empowerment,” Ozemegwa said.
He also called on young Nigerians to align with PNGi’s vision of nurturing a new generation of political leaders and responsible citizens who will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
The organisation maintained that with the right mindset, innovation, and determination, Nigerian youths possess the capacity to transform challenges into opportunities and become major drivers of the country’s economic future.
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