Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa has revealed that his mother sold akamu and akara to support the family, saying he is proud of her hard work and urging Nigerians not to look down on petty traders.

Musa made the remarks at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel at Lungi Barracks in Abuja.

The workshop, 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.

His comments come weeks after the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, provided financial support for akara sellers and other petty traders, a gesture that drew mixed reactions from some Nigerians.

Reflecting on the criticism, the minister shared his personal story to emphasise the dignity of honest work and the importance of entrepreneurship.

“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 said his mother’s determination and willingness to support the family through small-scale trading played a significant role in his journey to becoming Nigeria’s Minister of Defence.

The empowerment programme was designed to equip participants with entrepreneurial skills and financial support as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of military families and promote enterprise development. (Sunday Vanguard)