Minister of Defence, Mohammed Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to accord respect to petty traders, saying no honest job is beneath anyone, as he revealed that his mother financed part of his upbringing by selling akamu and akara.
The minister made the remarks during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of Armed Forces personnel 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 partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Musa said he was disappointed by criticisms that followed the recent financial support extended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to akara sellers and other petty traders, stressing that such businesses have helped many families survive and thrive.
Recalling his personal experience, the minister said his mother’s petty trading played a significant role in his journey to becoming Nigeria’s Defence Minister.
“Standing here today as the Minister of Defence, my mother sold akamu. It is with that akamu that my mother supported me to where I am today,” he said.
He added that his mother also sold akara to supplement the family’s income, describing her hard work as a source of pride rather than shame.
“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.
Musa noted that entrepreneurship and small-scale businesses remain critical drivers of economic empowerment, particularly for women and vulnerable families, urging participants to take advantage of opportunities that can improve their livelihoods.
The empowerment programme was designed to equip widows and wives of military personnel with entrepreneurial skills and financial support as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the welfare of Armed Forces families and promote enterprise development across the country.
