Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has spoken about his childhood, recalling how his mother’s small food business played a vital role in supporting the family and helping him rise to become one of Nigeria’s top public officials.
Gatekeepers News reports that Musa made the remarks on Sunday during a training and empowerment programme for widows and wives of military personnel at Lungi Barracks in Abuja.
His comments follow the nationwide conversation sparked by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s recent advice encouraging women to embrace small businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli, while pointing to government-backed empowerment opportunities for petty traders.
The statement attracted criticism from some Nigerians, who argued that it reflected the country’s difficult economic reality.
Responding to the reactions, the First Lady later clarified that government intervention programmes extend beyond akara sellers to include vegetable traders, pepper sellers, tomato vendors and other small-scale entrepreneurs through grant support designed to help expand their businesses.
The issue later drew a humorous response from President Bola Tinubu, who playfully referred to his wife as “Iya Alákàrà” during a dinner with members of the presidential press corps.
Addressing participants at the Abuja event, Musa said he was surprised by the public response to the First Lady’s remarks.
“I know some weeks ago the first lady, the mother of the nation, contributed some amount for akara sellers and others, and I was surprised when I had the responses from citizens,” he said.
He then reflected on his family’s experience, saying the income from his mother’s business contributed significantly to his upbringing.
“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,” the defence minister said.
Musa said there is dignity in honest labour and encouraged Nigerians not to look down on people earning a living through small businesses.
He noted that countless homes across the country have been built and sustained through similar ventures.
“So, 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 so many other things.”
