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A video showing a corn seller saying she makes over N2.5 million every month has gone viral. This has sparked many reactions on social media. Some Nigerians doubt her claim while others think it could be possible. The video has started talks about how profitable small businesses can be.
The clip was shared on X by #ChuksEricE on Sunday. In the video, a woman asks the corn seller how much she earns.
The seller replies, “Per month I make like 2.5 million.”
It is not clear if the video was made for fun or if it was just an interview on the street. Still, the video quickly became popular, with thousands of comments on X and Instagram.
Some users questioned her figures. #okafor_nna wrote, “2.5 million a month, she’s a joker. It means she makes like 84 thousands of profit every day... for a corn of 500 Naira, let assume u make profit of 200 Naira on every... it still doesn’t add.”
Another user, #Nigash_, was skeptical too, saying, “2.5m na you still be like this. You, the interviewer and who ask you make you talk this lie dey crase.”
#DrLeguzo also doubted her claim, saying, “That’s absolutely false. Two things: 1. She did not understand the question 2. She doesn’t know what 2.5m is. Easy nut to crack. How many corns does she sell on a given day and how much does she sell on average? Exaggeration at worst.”
Some users asked questions instead of outright dismissing her claim. #Iamjezyg asked, “So after the corn season is over, how else is she making the sales?”
Others worried that the attention could put the seller in danger. #nonchallantjay wrote, “Una nogo spread am keh. When boys kidnap this lady and ask for ransom na then truth go come out.”
There were also some funny comments. #DojaO joked, “Make first Lady Sha no see this one, abi what is all this ehn?” while #Mr_more001 said, “Because she’s the only one selling corn. She should hide her face.”
On Instagram, reactions were also mixed. User #victor_kaizen_ commented, “See the way they dressed her up well,” while #unchartteed1 suggested, “She fit get 100 branch.”
This new attention comes after First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu recently urged Nigerian women to take up small businesses like frying akara, roasting corn, and making kulikuli. She described these ventures as sustainable and said they could get grants instead of loans.
Many Nigerians criticized her remarks, saying they ignored the country’s economic struggles. Rising inflation, food prices, and unemployment are serious issues in Nigeria.
The First Lady later defended her comments. She said the Federal Government’s empowerment programs support more than just akara sellers. They also help traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, and roasted plantain. She added that the Federal Government had given N100 million to the Jigawa State Government to help 2,000 petty traders with N50,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Dada Olusegun, the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, supported the First Lady. He called the criticism a “performative circus of selective amnesia.” He said critics ignored the broader efforts of the Renewed Hope Initiative in helping women, healthcare, and vulnerable groups.
The debate is moving beyond social media and politics. It was even part of an exam at Prince Abubakar Audu University in Kogi State. Students were asked to create an advocacy advertisement based on the First Lady’s comments. This shows that talks about petty trading, economic empowerment, and livelihoods are important in Nigeria.
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