Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has defended First Lady Remi Tinubu’s recent remarks encouraging Nigerians, particularly women, to explore small-scale businesses as a means of earning a living.
The First Lady’s comments, which suggested ventures such as selling akara, roasted corn and similar low-capital businesses, generated widespread reactions on social media. While some Nigerians viewed the advice as practical encouragement for entrepreneurship, others argued that it failed to address the country’s broader economic challenges.
Reacting to the criticism, Dare shared his personal experience, explaining that he was introduced to business at a young age by his mother.
According to him, he grew up helping to sell akara and bananas, an experience that taught him the importance of hard work, discipline and the value of honest enterprise. He said those early lessons contributed significantly to shaping his outlook on life and career.
Dare maintained that there is dignity in every legitimate business, regardless of its size. He argued that many successful entrepreneurs started with modest ventures before expanding into larger businesses.
The presidential aide stressed that encouraging people to engage in small businesses should not be interpreted as lowering their ambitions. Instead, he described it as promoting self-reliance, financial independence and resilience, especially during difficult economic periods.
He urged Nigerians to focus on opportunities that can generate income while also supporting policies aimed at improving the nation’s economy.
The debate surrounding the First Lady’s remarks continues to attract mixed opinions, with supporters describing the advice as realistic and motivational, while critics insist that long-term economic reforms remain essential for sustainable improvement in citizens’ living conditions.
English Summary
Sunday Dare has defended First Lady Remi Tinubu’s advice encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses. He revealed that his mother trained him by selling akara and bananas during his childhood, saying the experience taught him valuable life lessons about hard work and entrepreneurship. Dare argued that there is dignity in every honest business and encouraged Nigerians to consider legitimate income-generating ventures while broader economic reforms continue.
The Story Mean Say:
Na say Sunday Dare dey tell Nigerians make dem no look down on small business. Him talk say when e dey grow up, him mama train am by selling akara and banana, and na that hustle teach am hard work. According to am, no shame dey for any honest business, and person fit start small before e become successful. But plenty Nigerians still believe say government suppose also solve the bigger economic problems wey dey affect people’s lives.
