By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has strongly criticised columnist Abimbola Adelakun over her recent article on grassroots empowerment. Dare argues that Adelakun misrepresents Nigeria’s economic realities by dismissing small businesses and informal entrepreneurship. He maintains that economic progress begins with modest opportunities, not instant industrialisation, and insists that empowering small traders remains central to the administration’s development agenda.
Dare Accuses Adelakun of Intellectual Elitism
Sunday Dare describes Abimbola Adelakun’s latest article as an example of intellectual elitism detached from everyday Nigerian realities.
According to him, her arguments reflect the perspective of privileged academic circles rather than the lived experiences of ordinary citizens.
He argues that her criticism appears more interested in condemning government efforts than understanding how millions of Nigerians survive and build better lives.
Rather than offering practical alternatives, Dare says Adelakun relies on sweeping criticism that overlooks the resilience of ordinary people.
Grassroots Businesses Drive Economic Survival
Dare rejects Adelakun’s description of roadside businesses and subsistence enterprises as symbols of failure.
Instead, he argues that these ventures provide livelihoods for millions of families across Nigeria.
He cites women who sell akara and other small traders as examples of determination rather than despair.
According to him, these entrepreneurs generate income, educate their children and contribute to local economies despite difficult conditions.
He insists that such businesses deserve recognition instead of ridicule.
Small Beginnings Build Sustainable Wealth
Dare argues that wealth creation has always started with modest investments.
He says every successful economy grew through individuals and businesses expanding gradually over time.
Consequently, he rejects the suggestion that providing small grants traps people in poverty.
Instead, he believes access to capital creates opportunities for growth and long-term prosperity.
He adds that entrepreneurship remains one of the strongest pathways out of poverty.
Progress Requires Patience and Consistency
Dare also disagrees with Adelakun’s portrayal of Nigeria’s development history.
He argues that previous generations faced serious economic and political challenges as well.
Therefore, he believes today’s Nigerians should focus on building opportunities instead of dwelling solely on national shortcomings.
He says every generation must confront its own obstacles while creating solutions for the future.
Personal Story Reflects the Value of Hard Work
Responding to references about his upbringing, Dare says his family’s modest beginnings demonstrate the power of perseverance.
He recalls his mother’s trading activities in Jos and describes them as honourable work that supported the family’s progress.
According to him, the success of children from humble backgrounds represents genuine social mobility.
He argues that not every small business must become a multinational corporation to qualify as success.
Rather, improving family welfare already represents meaningful achievement.
Informal Economy Supports National Growth
Dare stresses that the informal sector remains a major pillar of Nigeria’s economy.
He argues that traders, artisans and small-scale farmers contribute significantly to employment and household income.
Moreover, he says industrialisation cannot succeed without strengthening these grassroots economic activities.
Factories require suppliers, farmers need markets and traders connect producers with consumers.
For that reason, he believes supporting small enterprises complements broader industrial development.
Better Implementation, Not Policy Abandonment
Dare acknowledges that some empowerment programmes have experienced poor implementation.
However, he argues that isolated failures should encourage reforms rather than abandonment.
According to him, improving transparency and accountability will deliver better outcomes for beneficiaries.
He insists that government should continue supporting vulnerable Nigerians while strengthening programme oversight.
Dignity of Labour Must Remain Central
Dare says the dignity of labour remains fundamental to every successful society.
He argues that Nigerians who wake early to run small businesses deserve respect because they provide for their families through honest work.
Instead of viewing these efforts as evidence of failure, he believes policymakers should create conditions that help them expand.
He maintains that economic empowerment begins by recognising the value of productive work at every level.
Industrialisation Starts from the Grassroots
Although Dare agrees that Nigeria needs rapid industrialisation, he argues that sustainable industrial growth begins from the grassroots.
He says industrial economies develop through interconnected systems involving farmers, manufacturers, traders and service providers.
Therefore, empowering small businesses represents an investment in future industrial capacity rather than a substitute for it.
Hope Must Replace Cynicism
Dare concludes that criticism alone cannot transform Nigeria.
He argues that national progress requires practical action, optimism and sustained investment in ordinary citizens.
According to him, the Tinubu administration remains committed to expanding economic opportunities through grassroots empowerment.
He insists that supporting small business owners reflects confidence in the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians.
For Dare, the path to industrialization begins with empowering citizens, strengthening local enterprises and preserving the dignity of labour.
