Tinubu's Aide Sunday Dare Defends First Lady's Advice, Citing Mother's Akara Business

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has come to the defence of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following widespread criticism of her recent counsel. Mrs. Tinubu had advised Nigerians to consider venturing into low-capital enterprises such as selling akara, roasting corn, or producing kuli-kuli.

Speaking on the Mic On Podcast last Saturday, Mr. Dare supported the First Lady's remarks by recounting his own upbringing as the child of a small-scale trader. He argued that those criticising the advice were overlooking its core message of micro-enterprise development, self-reliance, and the inherent dignity of labour. The controversy, as reported by PUNCH, began on Wednesday during a Renewed Hope Initiative gathering in Abuja, where the First Lady stated that establishing an akara or roasted corn business “doesn’t take a lot of money.” She further noted that the initiative offered direct financial grants, not loans, to support beneficiaries looking to set up such ventures.

These remarks quickly sparked significant backlash online, with many citizens describing them as “out-of-touch,” especially given the current economic climate marked by surging costs of food items, fuel, and high inflation rates. Responding to the public outcry, Dare highlighted the crucial role of Nigeria’s informal economy in sustaining the nation's resilience. He stated, “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.”

He cautioned citizens against disparaging small-scale trades, which have historically served as pathways out of poverty for numerous families. Dare personally revealed, “Look at me. Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara.” He continued, “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 also questioned why an economic survival model that proved effective for previous generations should be derided by today’s youth. “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 affirmed.

Dare concluded by clarifying that the First Lady’s intention was not to permanently confine young people to petty trading, but rather to foster an entrepreneurial mindset. “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.”