Special Adviser Sunday Dare has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s small business advice, sharing his own upbringing as the child of a petty trader amid public backlash
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication Sunday Dare has defended Senator Oluremi Tinubu following widespread criticism of her suggestion that Nigerians should explore low-capital businesses such as selling akara, roasting corn and making kuli-kuli.
Dare made the remarks during an interview on the Mic On Podcast on Saturday 27 June 2026, arguing that critics had missed the essence of the First Lady’s message, which centred on self-reliance, micro-enterprise and the dignity of labour.
The controversy began on Wednesday when the First Lady, during a Renewed Hope Initiative meeting in Abuja, observed that starting such businesses did not require substantial capital and highlighted government grants available to support beneficiaries.
Dare, who revealed that his own mother sold akara, bananas and oranges in Jos to support the family, emphasised the historical role of the informal sector in Nigeria’s economic resilience.
“When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continues to lift this economy,” he said.
He questioned why an economic survival model that had sustained previous generations should now be dismissed.
“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,” Dare stated.
The presidential aide clarified that the message was not about confining people to petty trading indefinitely but about fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and engagement in productive activities regardless of starting capital.
This Dare defends Tinubu intervention comes as the administration continues to promote various economic empowerment initiatives amid persistent challenges of inflation and high living costs.
The First Lady’s comments had drawn sharp online criticism from citizens who viewed them as disconnected from current economic realities, particularly the rising prices of food items and fuel.
Dare’s personal testimony and defence have added a human dimension to the debate, highlighting the lived experiences of many Nigerians who built success from humble trading beginnings.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
