“My mother raised me selling akara” — Tinubu’s aide defends First Lady over small business advice

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following criticism of her remarks encouraging Nigerians to take up small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasting corn, and producing kuli-kuli.

–“She was promoting entrepreneurship, not dismissing hardship”–

Speaking on the Mic On Podcast on Saturday, Dare said the First Lady’s comments were aimed at promoting self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and the dignity of labour, not downplaying Nigeria’s economic challenges.

The controversy arose after Mrs. Tinubu, at a Renewed Hope Initiative meeting in Abuja, said ventures like akara or roasted corn sales require little capital.

She added that the initiative is providing grants, not loans, to help beneficiaries start such businesses.

Her advice drew backlash on social media, with many Nigerians calling it insensitive given rising inflation, food prices, and production costs.

–“My mother sold akara to train me”–

Defending the position, Dare cited his personal background and the role of Nigeria’s informal sector.

“Nigeria’s informal sector has remained a major pillar of the country’s economy and has helped many families overcome poverty,” he said.

Sharing his experience, he added: “Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara. 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 questioned the dismissal of such trades: “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.”

–“Whatever it is, be engaged in enterprise”–

Dare stressed that the First Lady’s core message was about building entrepreneurial skills at any scale.

“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,” he said.