Tinubu Aide Defends First Lady's Entrepreneurship Remarks

Sundai Dare, the Special Adviser to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, defended her remarks about entrepreneurship during an interview on a podcast. He shared his personal history of growing up with a mother who sold akara and bananas in Plateau State, arguing that her experiences illustrate the resilience of small-scale businesses in Nigeria.

The controversy began following Oluremi Tinubu's comments at the Renew Hope Initiative meeting in Abuja, where she suggested that starting a business selling akara or roasted corn does not require significant capital. This statement drew backlash online, with critics questioning the practicality of such ventures given the rising costs of food and fuel.

Dare countered this criticism by highlighting the historical significance of small-scale trade in lifting families out of poverty and urged citizens not to underestimate these enterprises. He concluded that the First Lady's message was aimed at encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth, emphasizing the importance of engaging in various forms of enterprise.