Presidential Aide Backs First Lady's Micro-Enterprise Advice
Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, has come to the defense of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu after she faced widespread online criticism for suggesting that low-income Nigerians start small-scale businesses such as selling akara (bean cakes), roasting corn, or making kuli-kuli (peanut cakes) to cope with economic hardship.
During a recent podcast, Dare argued that the backlash missed the core message of the First Lady's remarks. He stated that her advice was rooted in principles of self-reliance, micro-enterprise, and the dignity of labor. Dare highlighted the informal economy as a crucial pillar of Nigeria's economic resilience.
Informal Sector as Economic Backbone
“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,” Dare said. He emphasized that small businesses remain a viable path to financial stability for many Nigerians.
To illustrate his point, Dare shared a personal story about his upbringing. He revealed that his own mother was a petty trader who sold akara, bananas, and oranges, and that the proceeds from these ventures funded his education.
Personal Anecdote on Petty Trade
“Look at me. Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara. 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. 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 said.
Dare's defense comes amid a heated online debate, with critics arguing that the First Lady's suggestion overlooks the structural economic challenges facing many Nigerians. However, Dare maintained that the advice was practical and historically proven, urging critics to focus on the broader message of entrepreneurship and hard work.
