Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, says his mother sold
akara and akamu to support the family.
Akara and akamu are staple foods in many Nigerian homes.
Akamu is a fermented corn porridge made from milled maize, while akara is a
deep-fried bean cake prepared from blended beans.
Musa’s remarks come weeks after Oluremi Tinubu, the first
lady, advised women to consider businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn
and making kuli-kuli, noting that the federal government provides grants to
support petty traders.
Her comments sparked mixed reactions, with critics arguing
that the advice reflected the country’s worsening economic realities.
Oluremi later clarified that the federal government’s
intervention programmes extend beyond akara sellers to include vegetable
traders, pepper sellers, tomato vendors and other small-scale entrepreneurs,
who receive grants to grow their businesses.
The debate later drew a light-hearted response from
President Bola Tinubu, who jokingly referred to his wife as “Iya Alákàrà”—a
Yoruba expression meaning “woman who sells akara”—during the presidential press
corps dinner in a playful jab at critics of her empowerment initiatives.
‘MY MOTHER SUPPORTED MY FATHER SELLING AKARA AND AKAMU’
Speaking on Sunday at a one-day training and financial
empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel held at Lungi
Barracks in Abuja, Musa said he was surprised by the public reaction to the
first lady’s remarks.
“I know some weeks ago the first lady, the mother of the
nation, contributed some amount for akara sellers and others, and I was
surprised when I had the responses from citizens,” he said.
The minister said his mother sold akamu to support the
family, noting that the business played a significant role in his upbringing
and eventual success.
Musa said he remains proud of his mother’s contribution to
the family and urged Nigerians not to look down on petty trading.
He added that similar small-scale businesses have sustained
many Nigerian families.
“Standing here today as the minister of defence, my mother
sold akamu. It is with that akamu that supported my father to where I am
today,” the defence minister said.
“So, I’m very proud that my mother supported my father by
selling akara and akamu. Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that selling
akara or akamu is below standard.
“So many families have been supported by their mothers by
selling akara, akamu, kunu and so many other things.”
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