An old video showing billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu buying roasted corn from a roadside vendor has resurfaced online, days after First Lady Oluremi Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to explore small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli.
The clip, believed to have been recorded around 2019, went viral again on Sunday as discussions continued over recent comments made by the First Lady on entrepreneurship and economic survival.
In the video, Elumelu, dressed in a formal suit, is seen walking along a busy Lagos expressway with members of his entourage before stopping at a roadside stall shaded by a yellow umbrella to purchase roasted corn.
Sharing the video at the time, Elumelu wrote: “Jollof is nice but some days we sample roasted corn along the Lagos express… Some cravings die hard.”
The renewed attention follows remarks made by Oluremi Tinubu in late June during a programme under the Renewed Hope Initiative, where she encouraged Nigerians to embrace small businesses as alternative sources of income.
According to the First Lady, ventures such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli require relatively little capital and can provide opportunities for economic empowerment.
Her comments sparked widespread reactions online, with critics describing the suggestion as disconnected from the realities of rising living costs and economic hardship.
The resurfaced Elumelu video has also generated mixed reactions.
Some social media users praised the billionaire investor for patronising local vendors and displaying humility despite his status.
Others, apparently unaware that the clip is several years old, questioned its timing and suggested it could be interpreted as support for the First Lady’s message.
An X user, @MosesUgwum75755, wrote, “Please don’t blame Tony, he is trying to protect his investments by validating Remi Tinubu’s statement on akara frying.”
Another user, @SirHenroDeGreat, questioned why anyone would record themselves buying roasted corn, describing the resurfaced video as part of the broader online conversation surrounding the First Lady’s remarks.
Others dismissed the controversy, arguing that wealthy individuals consuming everyday foods should not be considered unusual.
Elumelu is the chairman of United Bank for Africa and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has become one of Africa’s leading platforms for entrepreneurship development.
Through the foundation, thousands of entrepreneurs across the continent have received funding, mentorship and business training aimed at supporting startups and expanding economic opportunities.
