Presidency Defends First Lady’s Akara Comments, Says Small Businesses Deserve Respect
The Presidency has defended Nigeria’s informal business sector, insisting that there is dignity in small-scale entrepreneurship following the controversy over First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s remarks encouraging Nigerians to consider ventures such as selling akara and roasted corn.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the First Lady’s comments had been misinterpreted, stressing that her message was aimed at promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship rather than downplaying the country’s economic challenges.
Speaking on the Mic-On podcast, Dare shared his personal story to illustrate the value of small businesses. He recalled helping his mother sell akara, bananas and oranges while growing up in Jos, Plateau State.
According to him, the income from those businesses enabled his parents to cater for the family and finance his education, proving that modest enterprises can create opportunities and transform lives.
“There is nothing wrong with selling akara, bananas or oranges,” Dare said. “My mother did that, and through those businesses she was able to train me.”
He argued that millions of Nigerians depend on petty trading and other informal businesses for their livelihood, adding that the sector remains a vital part of the country’s economy despite ongoing economic difficulties.
Dare noted that small-scale entrepreneurs contribute significantly to local commerce and job creation, maintaining that their efforts should be respected rather than ridiculed.
His remarks come after widespread reactions to the First Lady’s comments, with critics arguing that her advice failed to reflect the economic hardship many Nigerians are currently facing. Supporters, however, say her message was intended to encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The Presidency maintains that the informal sector remains a key driver of economic activity and continues to provide income for millions of households across the country.The Presidency has defended Nigeria’s informal business sector, insisting that there is dignity in small-scale entrepreneurship following the controversy over First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s remarks encouraging Nigerians to consider ventures such as selling akara and roasted corn.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the First Lady’s comments had been misinterpreted, stressing that her message was aimed at promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship rather than downplaying the country’s economic challenges.
Speaking on the Mic-On podcast, Dare shared his personal story to illustrate the value of small businesses. He recalled helping his mother sell akara, bananas and oranges while growing up in Jos, Plateau State.
According to him, the income from those businesses enabled his parents to cater for the family and finance his education, proving that modest enterprises can create opportunities and transform lives.
“There is nothing wrong with selling akara, bananas or oranges,” Dare said. “My mother did that, and through those businesses she was able to train me.”
He argued that millions of Nigerians depend on petty trading and other informal businesses for their livelihood, adding that the sector remains a vital part of the country’s economy despite ongoing economic difficulties.
Dare noted that small-scale entrepreneurs contribute significantly to local commerce and job creation, maintaining that their efforts should be respected rather than ridiculed.
His remarks come after widespread reactions to the First Lady’s comments, with critics arguing that her advice failed to reflect the economic hardship many Nigerians are currently facing. Supporters, however, say her message was intended to encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The Presidency maintains that the informal sector remains a key driver of economic activity and continues to provide income for millions of households across the country.
