The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians to accord dignity and respect to petty traders, insisting that no honest means of livelihood should be looked down upon. Speaking at an event held in Abuja for widows and wives of military personnel, Musa used his personal upbringing as a powerful testament to the value of small-scale trade, revealing that his mother sustained their family through the sale of akara (bean cakes) and akamu (pap).
Dignity in Honest Work
Musa told the gathering that there is dignity in any work carried out with integrity, regardless of the scale or size of the business. He drew on his own experience to encourage the beneficiaries, emphasising that his mother's determination to complement his father's efforts through petty trading transformed the fortunes of their family. According to the minister, that sacrifice laid the foundation for his rise to public office.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Defence of First Lady’s Initiative
The minister also addressed the criticism that followed First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s decision to provide financial support to akara sellers and other petty traders under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). He expressed surprise at the negative responses from some citizens, noting that the First Lady’s gesture was aimed at uplifting ordinary Nigerians who work hard to earn a living.
“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,” Musa said. He stressed that supporting petty traders is a worthy cause that aligns with the broader goal of economic empowerment, and that such initiatives should be praised rather than ridiculed.
Encouragement for Military Widows
The event, which brought together widows and wives of military personnel, was part of ongoing efforts to support the families of those who serve the nation. Musa used the occasion to encourage the women present, reminding them that their own struggles and sacrifices are not in vain. He urged them to remain resilient and to take pride in whatever honest work they engage in, just as his mother did.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing conversations about the importance of informal trade in Nigeria’s economy. Petty trading, including the sale of food items like akara and akamu, provides livelihoods for millions of Nigerians, many of whom are women. The Renewed Hope Initiative has been at the forefront of providing financial support to such traders, aiming to boost their businesses and reduce poverty at the grassroots level.
A Message of Pride and Gratitude
Musa reiterated his gratitude for his mother’s sacrifices, noting that her willingness to engage in small-scale trading helped shape his future. He said his mother’s story is a testament to the fact that success is not determined by the size of one’s business but by the integrity and determination with which one pursues it.
“My mother sold Akara and Akamu. Don’t let anybody make you feel petty trading is below standard,” he emphasised. The minister’s words have sparked widespread praise, with many Nigerians commending him for using his personal story to challenge the stigma often associated with informal work.
As the nation continues to grapple with economic challenges, the message from the Defence Minister serves as a reminder that every honest means of livelihood deserves respect and encouragement.
