The Minister of Defence has mounted a passionate defence of the First Lady’s recent financial support for petty traders, including akara sellers, while sharing his own humble beginnings to underscore the dignity of honest labour.
Speaking at an entrepreneurship workshop organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the minister addressed criticism that had followed Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu’s gesture weeks earlier. The workshop, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” was designed to equip military families with entrepreneurial skills and financial support.
A Personal Testimony
Reflecting on the backlash, the minister offered a deeply personal account of his own family’s journey. “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,” he said.
“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.”
The minister emphasized that 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.
Empowering Military Families
The empowerment programme was designed to provide participants with entrepreneurial skills and financial support as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve the welfare of military families and promote enterprise development.
The minister’s remarks served as both a defence of the First Lady’s initiative and a powerful reminder that every legitimate livelihood deserves respect.
