By Mary Agbabiaka
Nigerian singer Portable has defended remarks recently made by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saying many people misunderstood the message she intended to convey about dignity in labour and humble beginnings.
Speaking during the Honest Bunch podcast, the controversial artiste reflected on how ordinary occupations such as selling pepper, palm oil, roasted corn and other food items have helped produce some of the country’s most successful individuals.
According to Portable, such businesses, though often looked down upon, have helped countless families build successful futures.
“Nigerians misunderstood what Remi Tinubu meant. If you look at many wealthy people in this country, their mothers trained them by selling pepper and roasted corn. When I got to London, I even saw someone selling corn while using a Benz.”
The singer encouraged people to embrace opportunities, no matter how insignificant they may seem, noting that what some people ignore often becomes another person’s path to success.
“When it was our turn, what we did not cherish is what other people cherish.”
Portable also stressed the importance of starting from wherever opportunities exist. Recalling one of his own experiences, he said he once encouraged someone to begin a kuli kuli business despite difficult circumstances.
