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By Lawrence Agbo
Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s call for Nigerians to embrace small-scale entrepreneurship, saying his family’s experience proves that humble businesses can create lasting opportunities.
Responding to criticism that trailed the First Lady’s remarks encouraging Nigerians to consider ventures such as selling akara.
Speaking during an interview, the former Minister of Sports said his mother sold akara, bananas and oranges, while he assisted by hawking the produce in markets across Jos, Plateau State, to provide for the family and sponsor his education.
According to him, those modest businesses laid the foundation for his success, and he stressed that there is dignity in starting small.
“You must not miss her point. Her point is that, whatever it is, try and do something. Have some level of entrepreneurial skill.
“Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara. Wherever I am today, my mother sold bananas.
“I carried bananas on 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? It depends on the capital you have,” he said.
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Dare argued that critics had focused too much on the example used by the First Lady rather than on the broader message, which he said was to encourage Nigerians to pursue productive economic activities regardless of their starting point.
He maintained that many successful entrepreneurs began with small businesses before building large enterprises, citing Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, as an example.
“When you grow these small businesses, you start small. Go and read Dangote’s story. He also started like a trader. So the point she is making is, whatever it is, be engaged in some kind of enterprise,” Dare added.
The First Lady’s comments have continued to generate mixed reactions, with many Nigerians arguing that worsening economic conditions, high inflation and rising operating costs have made it increasingly difficult for micro-businesses to survive.
Amid the debate, an akara seller shared her own experience, saying the business remains profitable despite prevailing economic challenges.
She explained that she invested ₦12,000 in a day’s production and realised a profit of ₦5,000 after making total sales of ₦17,000.
According to her, additional capital of between ₦20,000 and ₦30,000 would enable her to expand the business or relocate to a busier area where she could attract more customers and earn higher returns.
