The President of Global Peace Movement International, Dr. Mike Uyi, has defended the recent empowerment initiative of Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing the controversy surrounding her remarks on petty trading as misplaced and insensitive to the realities of many struggling Nigerians.

Reacting to criticisms that trailed the First Lady's suggestion that beneficiaries of the programme could engage in small-scale businesses such as selling akara and kulikuli, Dr. Uyi said the debate should not be viewed through a political lens but as a matter of economic survival.

According to him, millions of Nigerians, particularly rural women, depend on petty trading for their livelihood, stressing that there is dignity in every legitimate means of earning a living.

Dr. Uyi argued that ridiculing such businesses sends the wrong message to young people and discourages honest enterprise at a time when unemployment and poverty remain major national challenges.

The peace advocate warned that glorifying quick wealth while mocking legitimate small businesses contributes to the growing culture of internet fraud, popularly known as "Yahoo Yahoo", as well as other social vices, including prostitution.

He maintained that every successful entrepreneur starts somewhere, noting that many established business owners began with modest ventures before expanding into larger enterprises.

Dr. Uyi urged Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable groups, especially rural women, rather than politicising programmes designed to improve livelihoods.

He added that genuine empowerment, regardless of its scale, remains a critical tool for reducing poverty, promoting self-reliance and fostering sustainable peace across the country.

Dr. Uyi also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership that has translated into visible infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory through the efforts of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He noted that the numerous road networks, public facilities and other landmark projects being executed in the nation's capital reflect the administration's commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.

The Global Peace Movement International President equally praised the leadership of the Senate of Nigeria under Godswill Akpabio for providing the legislative support necessary to facilitate the implementation of the projects. He also commended Senator Akpabio for representing President Tinubu at the commissioning of several of the completed projects, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the cordial working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature in advancing national development.