The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has defended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu amid criticism over her call for Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast on Saturday, Dare said many people had misunderstood the First Lady’s message, insisting that she was promoting entrepreneurship, self-reliance and the dignity of labour.
The First Lady came under fire after telling participants at a Renewed Hope Initiative meeting in Abuja that starting ventures like selling akara or roasted corn “doesn’t take a lot of money.” She noted that the programme offers grants instead of loans to help beneficiaries establish such businesses.
Her comments triggered widespread debate online, with critics arguing that rising inflation and the high cost of essential commodities have made even low-capital businesses difficult to sustain.
Addressing the backlash, Dare said the informal sector continues to play a vital role in supporting Nigeria’s economy.
“When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continues to lift this economy… You find it predominantly everywhere, and also in the north, they’re also significant.”
Recalling his upbringing, he urged Nigerians not to look down on petty trading.
“Look at me. Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara,” Dare said. “Wherever I am today, my mother sold bananas. I carried bananas in a tray on my head to markets in Jos, Plateau State. My mother sold oranges, and through that, they were able to train me.”
He argued that businesses that helped previous generations succeed should not be dismissed today.
“What is wrong with that? If that was right 60 years ago, what is wrong with that now? Because it’s about what capital you have. When you grow these small businesses, you start small,” he stated.
Dare further explained that the First Lady was encouraging Nigerians to develop an entrepreneurial mindset rather than remain dependent on white-collar jobs.
“You must not miss her point, her point is that whatever it is, try and do something, have some level of entrepreneurial skill… The point she is making is, whatever it is, be engaged in some kind of enterprise.”
