My Mother Sold Akara And Bananas To Train Me— Tinubu’s Aide Defends First Lady’s Remarks

The special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on media and public communication, Sunday Dare, defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s remarks where she encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale entrepreneurship.

Speaking during his appearance on Mic On Podcast, Dare said the First Lady’s message was simply that Nigerians should engage in productive ventures regardless of how small they may seem, noting that the informal sector remains a major driver of Nigeria’s economy.

“When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continues to lift this economy. It’s also because of these small-scale entrepreneurs, those that sell akara. You find them predominantly everywhere, including in the North. They are also significant,” he said.

Dare stressed that the essence of the First Lady’s message was for Nigerians to develop entrepreneurial skills and make use of whatever opportunities are available.

“We must not miss her point, her point is whatever it is, try and do something. Have some level of entrepreneurial skill,” he said.

Recalling his upbringing, Dare said his mother sold akara, bananas and oranges to support the family, while he hawked bananas on his head in markets in Jos, Plateau State.

“Look at me. Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara. 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?” he said.

Dare added that successful entrepreneurs often start with small businesses, citing Aliko Dangote as an example.

“It’s about the capital you have. When you grow these small businesses, you start small. Go and read Dangote’s story. He also started like a trader,” he said.