The Presidency has defended First Lady Remi Tinubu's recent comments encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses, saying there is dignity in honest work.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on the *Mic-On* podcast while responding to criticism that followed the First Lady's comments about selling akara (bean cakes) and roasted corn.
Dare said his family's experience showed that small businesses could provide a legitimate means of livelihood and education.
"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," he said.
The First Lady had come under criticism after urging Nigerians to consider engaging in businesses such as selling akara and roasted corn, with some critics asking her to encourage members of her own family to take up such ventures.
Responding to the backlash, Dare said the First Lady's comments had been misunderstood, stressing that her message was about encouraging entrepreneurship rather than limiting Nigerians to menial jobs.
"When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continues to lift this economy," he said.
According to him, small-scale traders and artisans remain critical contributors to Nigeria's economy.
"It's because of these small-scale entrepreneurs—those who sell akara and kuli-kuli, and others you find across the country—that the informal sector remains significant," Dare added.
He urged Nigerians to focus on the broader message behind the First Lady's remarks.
"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," he said.
