Presidency Defends Remi Tinubu’s 'Akara Business' Comment, Says She Encouraged Entrepreneurship

The Presidency has defended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu following public criticism over her recent remarks encouraging Nigerians, particularly women, to venture into small-scale businesses such as selling roasted corn, akara and kuli-kuli.

Responding to the controversy, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the First Lady's message had been misunderstood, insisting she was advocating entrepreneurship and self-reliance rather than downplaying the country's economic challenges.

Speaking during an interview on Mic On Podcast, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Dare said Mrs Tinubu's comments were intended to encourage Nigerians to develop entrepreneurial skills and remain productively engaged.

"She didn't miss her point. Her point is that whatever it is, try and do something. Have some level of entrepreneurial skills," Dare said.

The First Lady made the remarks last week while hosting the wives of the 36 state governors in Abuja, where she highlighted financial interventions provided through her office to support vulnerable Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

However, her comments sparked widespread reactions on social media, with some Nigerians accusing her of being insensitive to the economic hardship facing many citizens.

Defending her position, Dare argued that Nigeria's informal sector continues to play a vital role in sustaining the economy through the activities of millions of small-scale entrepreneurs.

"When you look at the informal sector whose resilience continues to lift this economy, it's because of these small-scale entrepreneurs that sell akara. We find them everywhere, including in northern Nigeria. They are also significant," he said.

Drawing from his personal experience, the presidential aide said his upbringing demonstrated the value of small businesses.

"Look at me today. Whatever I am today, my mother sold akara and banana. I carried bananas on my head to markets in Jos, Plateau State. My mother also sold oranges and through those businesses they trained me."

He also referenced the business journey of Africa's richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, saying many successful entrepreneurs started with modest ventures.

"Go and read Dangote's story. See how he started. He also began as a small trader. So the point the First Lady is making is that whatever it is, be engaged in some kind of enterprise," Dare added.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong criticised the First Lady's remarks, suggesting she should personally establish such businesses for members of her family and women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to encourage others.

In a post shared on X on Saturday, Effiong wrote:

"Senator Remi Tinubu should first set up corn, akara and kuli-kuli businesses for some members of her family and the APC women leaders. It will encourage other Nigerians to venture into the same business."

The debate over the First Lady's comments comes amid continued public concern over the rising cost of living and economic pressures facing households across the country, with discussions continuing over the role of entrepreneurship in addressing unemployment and improving livelihoods.