The Nigerian Presidency has issued a robust defense of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s recent comments encouraging citizens to take up informal businesses, such as selling bean cakes (akara) and roasted corn. Her remarks had previously ignited a flurry of criticism and public discussion.
The First Lady’s suggestion that these ventures offer viable pathways for Nigerians sparked debate, with some critics questioning the practicality of her advice and suggesting that more substantial economic frameworks or start-up capital should be the focus, rather than promoting what they termed ‘menial’ work.
Presidency Underscores Informal Sector’s Vital Role
In response to the backlash, Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, staunchly defended the First Lady’s stance during an interview on the Mic-On podcast. Dare not only championed the significance of the informal economy but also shared a compelling personal story to contextualize his argument.
“My mother sold akara, bananas, and oranges in Jos, Plateau State, and through this, they were able to train me. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Dare stated, highlighting the dignity of labor and the potential for upward mobility derived from humble beginnings. He stressed that his own education and development were directly supported by his mother’s entrepreneurial spirit within the informal sector.
Dare further elaborated on the indispensable contribution of the informal sector to Nigeria’s overall economic resilience. “When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continues to lead this economy. It’s because of these small skill entrepreneurs, those that sell akara and kuli-kuli, because you find it predominantly everywhere, and also in the North. They’re also significant.”
Clarifying the First Lady’s Entrepreneurial Message
The presidential spokesman urged the public to grasp the underlying message of the First Lady’s statement, which he clarified was an appeal to entrepreneurial spirit and self-reliance. He asserted that her intention was to inspire Nigerians to embrace initiative and develop practical skills, regardless of the perceived scale of the business.
“You must not miss the First Lady’s point. Her point is that whatever it is, try and do something, have some level of entrepreneurial skill,” Dare concluded, reinforcing the administration’s belief in the power of individual effort and the foundational role of the grassroots economy in national growth.