Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s recent remarks encouraging women to explore small-scale businesses, saying his own mother sold akara and akamu to support his family.
Speaking at a one-day training and financial empowerment programme for widows and wives of service personnel at Lungi Barracks in Abuja on Sunday, Musa said he was surprised by the criticism that followed the First Lady’s comments.
Oluremi Tinubu had urged women to consider businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli, adding that the Federal Government provides grants to support petty traders. Her remarks sparked criticism from some Nigerians, who argued they reflected the country’s economic challenges.
The First Lady later clarified that the government’s empowerment programmes are not limited to akara sellers but also support vegetable traders, pepper sellers, tomato vendors and other small-scale entrepreneurs through grants.
President Bola Tinubu also weighed in on the debate during the presidential press corps dinner, jokingly referring to his wife as "Iya Alákàrà" in response to public criticism of her remarks.
Addressing participants at the Abuja event, Musa said small businesses have helped many families build better lives and should not be looked down upon.
"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," he said.
He added that his mother also sold akara and expressed pride in her contribution to the family's success.
"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 many other things."
Musa said his personal experience shows that petty trading has long served as a source of income for many Nigerian households and should be recognised as a dignified means of livelihood.
