The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following criticism over her recent advice to low-income Nigerians to engage in small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasting corn, and producing kuli-kuli.

Mrs. Tinubu faced backlash after suggesting that Nigerians explore low-capital ventures as a way of coping with current economic challenges.

Speaking during a recent podcast, Dare argued that many critics misunderstood the essence of the First Lady’s message. According to him, her comments were centered on self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and the dignity of labour.

He also noted that Nigeria’s informal sector continues to play a major role in supporting the country’s economy.

“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.”

To further support his position, Dare shared a personal story about his upbringing, revealing that his mother was a petty trader whose business helped fund his education.

“Look at me. Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara. 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.

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 said.

His comments have continued to generate discussions online, with Nigerians expressing differing views on the role of small businesses in addressing economic hardship.