Sunday Dare, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on media and public communications, has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s recent comments encouraging Nigerians to explore small-scale businesses.
Dare spoke during an interview on Seun Okinbaloye’s Mic On podcast.
Earlier, the first lady encouraged Nigerians to start a small business, such as selling akara or roasted corn, saying those ventures require little capital
‘My mother sold akara’
Dare said there is dignity in small businesses.
He revealed that his mother sold akara, bananas and oranges to support the family and pay his school fees.
“My mother sold akara,” he said.
“Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara.”
“My mother sold bananas. I carried bananas on a tray on my head to markets in Ijebu-Ode.”
“My mother sold oranges. Through that, they were able to train me.”
Says Nigerians should embrace entrepreneurship
Furthermore, Dare said the First Lady’s message was about encouraging Nigerians to develop entrepreneurial skills.
He argued that many small-scale businesses continue to sustain the country’s informal economy.
“The point she is making is, whatever it is, try and do something,” he said.
“Have some level of entrepreneurial skill.”
Cites Dangote’s success
Meanwhile, Dare said many successful entrepreneurs started with modest businesses.
He cited Aliko Dangote as an example of someone who began as a trader before building a business empire.
“What is wrong with that?” he said.
“If that was right 60 years ago, what is wrong with that now?”
“When you grow these small businesses, you start small.”
“Go and read Dangote’s story. He also started like a trader.”
