Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has urged Nigerians to respect small business owners, revealing that his mother’s akara and akamu business played a major role in raising and supporting his family.
Musa spoke on Sunday during a one-day entrepreneurship and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of members of the Armed Forces at Lungi Barracks in Abuja.
The programme, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” was organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
During his address, the minister referred to the reactions that followed First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s financial assistance to akara sellers and other petty traders, saying he was surprised by the criticism directed at the initiative.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Musa said his mother supported the family through her akara and akamu business, which helped him become who he is today.
He said:
«“A few weeks ago, the first lady, the mother of the nation, contributed some amount for akara sellers and others, and I was surprised when I heard the responses from citizens.»
«Standing here today as the Minister of Defence, my mother sold akamu. It is with that akamu that supported my mother to where I am today. I am very proud that my mother supported my father by selling akara and akamu. Don’t let anybody make you feel that selling akara and akamu is below standard.”»
Musa encouraged Nigerians not to look down on petty traders, stressing that honest businesses, no matter how small, can transform lives and support families.
