Tinubu’s aide defends First Lady’s advice on small businesses
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, has spoken out in support of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu after her comments about starting small businesses sparked controversy. During an interview, Dare shared his own experience growing up as the child of a petty trader, emphasizing the value of micro-enterprise and self-reliance. He argued that critics misunderstood the First Lady’s message, which focused on the dignity of labour and entrepreneurship. The remarks have generated significant debate among Nigerians.
What we know
- Oluremi Tinubu advised Nigerians to consider low-capital businesses like selling akara, roasting corn, and making ‘kuli-kuli’.
- Sunday Dare defended her, sharing that his mother sold akara, bananas, and oranges to support his upbringing.
- The First Lady’s comments were made during a Renewed Hope Initiative meeting in Abuja, where she noted that grants (not loans) were provided to help people start such businesses.
- Many citizens criticized the remarks as out of touch due to rising costs and inflation.
- Dare insisted the message was about encouraging entrepreneurship and not relegating youths to petty trading forever.
