A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has expressed deep concern and shame over the intense online backlash directed at the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following her recent remarks on youth employment.

The controversy stems from a viral video where the First Lady urged young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship and small-scale businesses. In her speech, she noted that setting up petty trades, such as commercial bean cake (Akara) frying, is a viable and accessible option for self-sustenance.

However, the comment drew sharp criticism from social media users, many of whom accused the presidency of trivialising the country’s high unemployment rate instead of implementing robust job creation strategies.

Responding to the critics via his official Facebook page on Saturday, Igbokwe robustly defended the First Lady`s stance, describing her statement as "honest advice." He sharply rebuked the youth for using social media as a vehicle for insults, expressing fear over the attitude of the younger generation.

"An honest advice HE Oluremi Tinubu gave to young Nigerians on how to help themselves has become a tool to abuse and to pour invectives," Igbokwe stated, adding that he felt enveloped by shame over what he termed the public conduct of the critics.