My mother trained me with Akara business, Presidential aide Sunday Dare says

Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, has come to the defense of First Lady Remi Tinubu after she faced criticism online for suggesting that poor Nigerians explore low-capital ventures such as selling akara, roasting corn, and making ‘kuli-kuli’.

In a recent podcast, Dare shared that his mother was a small-scale trader who used the earnings from her business to support his education.

He believes many people have misunderstood Mrs. Tinubu’s message, which emphasizes micro-businesses, self-sufficiency, and the value of hard work.

During an event last Thursday in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu encouraged poor Nigerians to engage in small-scale entrepreneurship, explaining that starting businesses like making akara or roasting corn requires minimal investment.

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In response to the criticism, Dare emphasized the importance of the informal economy in maintaining Nigeria’s resilience, stating, “The resilience of our informal sector continues to support this economy… It is widespread, including in the North, where it plays a significant role.”

He cautioned against underestimating small-scale businesses that have historically helped families escape poverty. “Look at me. Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara and bananas. I carried bananas on my head to markets in Jos, and through that, she was able to support my education. What’s wrong with that? If it was right 60 years ago, why is it wrong now? It depends on the capital you have. These small businesses can start small and grow,” he said.