Nothing wrong with selling akara, roasted corn – Presidency defends First Lady’s remark

The presidency has defended the remark of the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, who encouraged Nigerians to take up menial businesses like selling of bean cake (akara) and roasted corn.

Speaking during an interview on Mic-On podcast, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said he sold akara and bananas for his mother while growing up as a child.

Recall that the First Lady had come under criticism over the remark with some Nigerians asking her to set up such businesses for her family members.

Reacting, the presidential spokesman said, “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.

“When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continue to lease this economy.

“It’s because of this 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.

“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.”