Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has revealed that his mother sold akara (bean cake) and akamu (pap) to support the family, describing her sacrifices as the foundation of his success and urging Nigerians never to look down on honest labour or small-scale trading.
The Minister made the remarks on Sunday at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of Armed Forces personnel held at Lungi Barracks in Abuja. 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 collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Reflecting on the mixed public reactions that followed First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s recent financial support for akara sellers and other petty traders, General Musa shared his personal story to underscore the dignity of hard work.
“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,” he stated.
General Musa noted that his mother’s determination and willingness to support the family through small-scale trading played a major role in shaping his journey to becoming Nigeria’s Minister of Defence. He encouraged participants at the empowerment programme to embrace entrepreneurship, stressing that no legitimate business is too small to create opportunities and transform lives.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve the welfare of military families and promote enterprise development among the relatives of service personnel.