Presidential Aide Defends First Lady's Business Remarks
Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, has defended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu following online backlash over her comments encouraging Nigerians to start small businesses like selling akara (bean cakes), roasting corn, and making kuli-kuli. In an interview on the Mic On Podcast, Dare argued that critics misunderstood the First Lady's message, which he said was about fostering entrepreneurship and starting from where one can, rather than remaining in petty trading permanently.
Controversy Over Akara Advice
The controversy erupted after Oluremi Tinubu, during a Renewed Hope Initiative meeting in Abuja, advised Nigerians to consider low-capital businesses such as selling akara, roasting corn, and making kuli-kuli. She stated that these businesses do not require substantial initial investment and noted that the initiative provides grants, not loans, to help beneficiaries start such ventures. Critics responded by pointing to Nigeria's current economic challenges, including rising food prices, fuel costs, and inflation, which make small business survival difficult.
Dare Shares Personal Story of Mother's Small Trading
Dare countered the criticism with a personal anecdote, revealing that his own mother sold akara, bananas, and oranges to support his upbringing. 'Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara. Wherever I am today, my mother sold bananas,' Dare said. He recalled carrying bananas in a tray on his head to markets in Jos, Plateau State, and that his mother's small trading income helped fund his education. '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 added.
Defending Small Businesses as Economic Foundation
Dare questioned why informal businesses, which have historically supported Nigerian families, are now being dismissed. '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 argued. He emphasized that small businesses remain a vital part of Nigeria's economy and a proven pathway for many to improve their lives, despite current economic hardships.
Clarifying the First Lady's Message
According to Dare, the First Lady's intent was not to limit Nigerians to petty trading but to encourage the development of entrepreneurial skills and productivity. 'You must not miss her point, her point is that whatever it is, try and do something, have some level of entrepreneurial skill,' he explained. He maintained that starting small is a practical step for many, and that the criticism overlooks the broader message of self-reliance and gradual growth.
Reactions from Other Public Figures
Earlier, singer Mr Real publicly rejected the First Lady's advice, stating on social media that he would rather take another path than survive by selling snacks amid economic challenges. His comments added to the ongoing debate about the feasibility of such small businesses in the current economic climate.
