By The Metro 
By: Amb. Abdul-Hakeem Atilade
DG, NPSGGG
Allah says: Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū in jā’akum fāsiqun binaba’in fatabayyanū an tuṣībū qawman bijahālatin fatuṣbiḥū ‘alā mā fa‘altum nādimīn.
“O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.” – Qur’an 49:6
My Reflection:
When H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, the First Lady of Nigeria, extends an arm of kindness to SMEs, it is in line with established precedents of empowerment for petty traders.
We recall that during President M. Buhari GCFR’s administration, Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo GCON, distributed ₦20,000 market trader loans to SMEs. Similarly, a viral video showed Opposition Leader Mr. Peter Obi giving ₦10,000 to five petty traders as empowerment.
The same gesture was recently replicated by the First Lady, with ₦100 Million disbursed to empower 2,000 petty traders in one state alone. Examples cited included ventures like Akara frying, Kulikuli making, and other small and medium enterprises that can transform lives when properly supported.
It is therefore disappointing to see this good deed twisted to be addressing “the youths and young school leavers.” Everything is being politicised. The opposition often seeks to “call a dog a bad name in order to hang it,” while some content creators reduce even sensitive information to skits for views.
Let us desist from following “legover” narratives. We are civilised enough to take a minute to verify every news before spreading it, especially news that is derogatory.
It is always better to appreciate good doers, pray for them, and where necessary, guide them to better ways with respect.
e-Signed:
Alhaji Amb. Abdul-Hakeem Atilade
DG, National Prayer Support Group for Good Governance (NPSGGG)