My mother sold akara to raise me — Tinubu’s aide + Video

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has said that his mother sold bean cake, locally known as akara in Nigeria, to raise him.

He said this on: “Mic On Podcast,” in response to the criticism of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on petty trading.

Senator Tinubu had on Friday said the Federal Government was making little funds available to Nigerians to sell akara, roasted corn, and kulikuli for survival.

The initial reactions that trailed this were negative.

But speaking on: “Mic On Podcast,” an interview programme of Seun Okinbaloye, Dare said: “You must not miss her point.

“Her point is that whatever it is, try and do something, have some level of entrepreneurial skill… 

“The point she is making is, whatever it is, be engaged in some kind of enterprise.

“When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continues to lift this economy… 

“You find it predominantly everywhere.

“And also in the north, they’re also significant.

“Look at me. 

“Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara. 

“Wherever I am today, my mother sold bananas. 

“I carried bananas in a tray on my head to markets in Jos, Plateau State. 

“My mother sold oranges.

“And through that, they were able to train me.”

Dare, in answer to another question, said there was nothing wrong using an economic survival model that worked for older generations.

He said such should not be ridiculed by contemporary youths.

He said: “What is wrong with that? 

“If that was right 60 years ago, what is wrong with that now? 

“Because it’s about what capital you have. 

“When you grow these small businesses, you start small.”