A Nigerian man who has been selling akara since 1998 has shared three major achievements from his business, including sending his children to university, buying a car, and building a house. In a TikTok video posted by @seeelagos1, the man, identified as Chibuzor Ezekiel, also known as Baba Akara, spoke about the risks involved in the trade.
From Street Vendor to Homeowner and Car Owner
Ezekiel explained that the akara business is a family affair that has sustained his household for decades. "The business is like a family business. Me and my family use it to eat and feed. I sent them to university, I used it to buy a car and build a house," he said in the video. He started the business in 1998, making it a 28-year-old venture as of 2026.
One Major Risk: Handling Hot Oil
When asked about the risks, Ezekiel pointed to the danger of working with hot oil. "The risk in this business is when you're doing something this hot, you have to be very careful about it. And in anything that you're doing, there are challenges," he stated. The video has garnered widespread reactions from social media users.
Social Media Reactions
Many commenters praised his consistency and shared their own experiences. OMAICHA wrote, "The way most people dey underrate road side business eh just be consistent you will run here na oil money." ONAHI noted, "It's a good one sir, respect? but I reject every negativity from this video." Muraguri Harriet commented, "When you are talking about experience... you round off to the nearest." Adejokebillz21 recalled, "There was a time I ate this Akara every Saturday morning with pap." Teezby bakes and event shared, "Have bought fried plantain from you once sir." austinchukky advised, "It's good to know when to transition into something bigger. It's cool to start from somewhere to raise capital but once the capital comes transition into something bigger. Let your money work for you else you will hustle till death." KING BARRY IV speculated, "You will be surprised he is a multi millionaire with kids that are graduates." leeleeskincareenterprise wrote, "That a good business—just stay in good location." glamour thrift added, "Abeg na 28 years oooo I never old I use GOD beg." Wale noted, "I need someone passionate like dis dat I can set up to be doing dis." Furniture by Alyssa stressed, "I buy akara here every day. the man will say why do you like akara too much."
Similar Stories of Akara Business Success
In a related story, a young Nigerian lady who sponsored herself through school with an akara business shared her emotional journey after being sent out of her home by her father. She paused her education due to financial challenges but expressed determination to gain admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and become a soldier. Another lady who started an akara business with just N20,000 in 2018 celebrated completing her university education and beginning her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). She marked the milestone by returning to her shop in her NYSC uniform.
