Defence minister recounts how mother’s akara business helped shape his success

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that his mother supported the family by selling akamu and akara, saying her sacrifices laid the foundation for his success and should inspire respect for small-scale traders.

Musa spoke in Abuja during a one-day entrepreneurship and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel held at Lungi Barracks.

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 partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Reflecting on the criticism that followed the recent financial support provided by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to akara sellers and other petty traders, Musa urged Nigerians not to ridicule people who earn an honest living through small businesses.

He recalled that his mother combined the sale of akara and akamu with supporting his father, stressing that the income from the business helped raise the family.

“My mother sold akamu and akara. It was through that business that she supported my father and helped us get to where we are today. I am proud of her. Nobody should make you feel that selling akara or akamu is beneath anyone,” he said.

According to the minister, entrepreneurship remains a powerful tool for economic empowerment, especially for families seeking sustainable sources of income.

He said the training was aimed at equipping widows and spouses of serving personnel with practical business skills and financial support to improve their livelihoods.

Musa added that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the welfare of military families by promoting self-reliance through entrepreneurship and enterprise development.