The Progressive Next Generation Initiative, PNGi, has come to the defence of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saying her recent comments were misinterpreted by Gen Z and opposition politicians.
In a statement released on Friday, 26th June 2026, the Convener of PNGi, Hon. Jeffery Omoh Ozemegwa, appealed to young Nigerians to understand the context of the First Lady’s remarks. “The First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, only spoke like a mother, and it is what anyone who has a passion for Nigeria’s growth would do,” Ozemegwa said.
PNGi described itself as a youth and data-driven platform created to engage youths at all levels of politics and good governance across the country. Ozemegwa noted that Nigeria has the largest active youth population in politics, with Gen Z, aged 15 to 30, being the most visible demographic online. He said Gen Z are largely shaped by social media, a space they use to express themselves on issues and other frivolities.
“If you are having a bad day and you need to smile, kindly open a Twitter account and scroll down to the comments section. You will know that Gen Z are God’s gift, but a talent and energy put in the wrong direction. Some youths have made it a tool for advocacy, and others use it to create content that generates income,” he stated.
The Convener explained that Generation Z, born 1997 to 2012, ages 14 to 29 in 2026, are true digital natives shaped by social media and AI, while Millennials, born 1981 to 1996, ages 30 to 45, came of age during major technological and economic shifts. Identifying himself as a Millennial, he said the First Lady’s statement reflected a reality he witnessed growing up. “He remembers vividly that the remark made by the First Lady was factual, as it was what he saw growing up as a young man, from mothers, aunties, and elder sisters,” the statement read.
Senator Tinubu has been facing criticism after urging Nigerian youths, especially women, to try the unusual to create wealth and break the cycle of poverty.
She specifically recommended the making and marketing of kulikuli, a Nigerian snack made from groundnut. “My mother used to sell kulikuli when we were young. She brings them in big bags from the North. She also brings odds and ends, which the Yoruba people call Wosi Wosi, including tinko, sun-dried meat.
I know people who are exporting iru, the local condiment, to African shops in the UK and other countries. The first Indian female millionaire in the UK was dealing in Indian spices and condiments,” she said.
PNGi said it is backing the First Lady and throwing its support behind her, arguing that a good gesture is being turned by opposition politicians to mislead the Gen Z generation.
Ozemegwa added that the younger generation, which holds the largest population, should look inwards and empower themselves, not just with skills but by using the skills to start small enterprises that will make them useful to themselves.
“We stand with Senator Remi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria. Indeed, you are a mother, and a true believer in the next generation leadership of our great country, Nigeria,” he said.
He also urged Generation Z to key into the PNGi mission to raise the next generation of political leaders of the country.
