My mother sold Akamu, defence minister defends dignity of petty trading

Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd.), has urged Nigerians to respect petty traders, emphasizing the inherent dignity in honest work, regardless of its scale. His remarks came as he shared a personal anecdote about his mother, who supported his upbringing and education through her small business of selling 'akamu' (a local cornstarch pudding) and 'akara' (bean cakes).

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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.

Musa's defense of petty trading was prompted by the criticism that followed First Lady Oluremi Tinubu's recent financial support for 'akara' sellers and other small-scale vendors. "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," Musa stated, expressing his astonishment at the negative reactions.

Recounting his own family's experience, the minister highlighted the significant impact of his mother's determination. "Standing here today as the Minister of Defence, my mother sold akamu. It is with that akamu that my mother supported me to where I am today," he said, adding that she also sold 'akara' to supplement their income. "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."

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Standing here today as the Minister of Defence, my mother sold akamu. It is with that akamu that my mother supported me to where I am today.

Speaking at a training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel in Abuja, Musa encouraged participants to embrace entrepreneurship and small-scale businesses as vital tools for economic empowerment and family support. The workshop, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” was organized by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). The program aims to equip military families with entrepreneurial skills and financial support, reinforcing the Federal Government's commitment to their welfare.

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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.