Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over the backlash that followed her recent advice encouraging Nigerians facing economic hardship to embrace small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli.
The First Lady’s remarks, which were intended to promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance, triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that the suggestions did not adequately address the country’s worsening economic realities and rising cost of living.
However, Dare insisted that Mrs Tinubu’s comments had been widely misunderstood, maintaining that her message was about encouraging Nigerians to take advantage of available opportunities while building sustainable sources of income.
Dare says message promotes dignity of labour
Speaking during a recent podcast, the presidential aide explained that the First Lady’s advice was rooted in the values of hard work, resilience and entrepreneurship rather than an attempt to trivialise the economic challenges confronting millions of Nigerians.
According to him, Nigeria’s informal sector remains one of the country’s strongest economic drivers, providing livelihoods for millions of people and contributing significantly to economic activity despite prevailing difficulties.
“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 noted that many successful Nigerians started from humble beginnings and gradually built thriving businesses through determination and consistency.
Personal story of humble beginnings
To further explain his position, Dare shared details of his childhood, revealing that his mother’s small trading business was responsible for funding his education and shaping his future.
He recounted how his mother sold akara, bananas and oranges to provide for the family while he personally assisted by carrying goods to the market.
“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,” he said.
Dare argued that there should be no shame in engaging in legitimate small businesses, stressing that many successful entrepreneurs began with limited capital before expanding their ventures.
“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 added.
Mixed reactions trail First Lady’s comments
The First Lady’s initial remarks have continued to generate mixed reactions across the country.
While some Nigerians agreed that small businesses remain a practical means of earning a living, others argued that the current economic climate, rising inflation, high production costs and declining purchasing power have made even small-scale trading increasingly difficult.
Critics also contended that government officials should focus more on implementing policies that create jobs, reduce inflation and improve living standards rather than advising citizens to rely on petty trading.
Despite the criticism, Dare maintained that Mrs Tinubu’s comments were intended to inspire Nigerians to embrace self-employment and recognise the dignity of honest labour, insisting that countless families across the country have improved their lives through modest businesses that eventually grew into successful enterprises.