By Ahmed Yusuf

National News – The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has defended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu over criticisms that followed her remarks encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses such as akara selling and roasted corn trading.

Speaking during an interview on the Mic On Podcast, Dare said the First Lady’s message was intended to promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance and the dignity of labour rather than diminish the aspirations of young Nigerians.

The controversy erupted after the First Lady, while addressing beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Initiative in Abuja, stated that starting businesses such as akara frying or roasted corn sales requires minimal capital. She explained that the initiative provides grants, not loans, to help beneficiaries establish small enterprises.

Her comments sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that the rising costs of food items, fuel and inflation have made such ventures increasingly expensive.

Responding to the criticism, Dare maintained that Nigeria’s informal sector has remained a critical pillar of the nation’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions despite prevailing economic challenges.

Drawing from his personal experience, the presidential aide recounted how his mother engaged in petty trading to support the family and finance his education.

“My mother sold akara, bananas and oranges. I carried bananas on my head to markets in Jos, Plateau State. Through those small businesses, my parents were able to train me and give me an education,” he said.

Dare questioned why a model of economic survival that helped previous generations succeed should now be dismissed, stressing that many successful Nigerians started with modest ventures before expanding into larger businesses.

He added that the First Lady was not suggesting that young people should remain petty traders permanently but was encouraging them to develop entrepreneurial skills and create sustainable means of livelihood.

According to him, the essence of her message was that every Nigerian should strive to engage in productive economic activities, regardless of how small the initial investment may be. He noted that many thriving businesses today began on a small scale before growing into successful enterprises.