Special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare has defended recent comments by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses.
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Speaking on the MIC ON Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Mr Dare said the first lady’s remarks urging Nigerians to consider ventures such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli were meant to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
Her comments had sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians criticising the advice amid concerns over rising inflation, unemployment and economic hardship.
Responding to the backlash, Dare said the message was not intended to belittle citizens but to encourage people to engage in productive ventures, regardless of the size of the business.
According to him, Nigeria’s informal sector remains an important part of the country’s economy and continues to provide income opportunities for many people.Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
“When you look at the informal sector of our country, which continues to lift this economy, it is because of these small-scale entrepreneurs, those that sell akara, those that sell corn, because we find them predominantly everywhere and also in the North, where they are significant,” he said.
Dare added that the central message from the First Lady was for Nigerians to develop entrepreneurial skills and find ways to earn a living.
“A point you must not miss is that, whatever it is, try and do something, have some level of entrepreneurial skill,” he said.Politics
Drawing from his personal experience, Dare recalled that his mother sold akara, bananas and oranges while raising him in Jos, Plateau State.
“Look at me, wherever I am today, my mother sold akara. My mother sold bananas. I carried bananas on 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?” he said.
He added that starting with small businesses has helped many families over the years and remains a viable way to build financial stability.Executive Branch
Sunday Dare also referenced Aliko Dangote, saying the businessman’s journey showed that large enterprises can grow from small beginnings.
“Go and read Dangote’s story, where he started from. He also started like a trader. So the point she is making is, whatever it is, be engaged in some kind of enterprise,” he said.
