By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, recently urged Nigerian women to engage in productive ventures such as selling akara, kulikuli, and roasted corn. She made the call to encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen household incomes, and promote local economic growth. Her message has sparked public debate, but supporters argue it focuses on wealth creation, self-reliance, and protecting jobs for Nigerians.
Many critics misunderstood the message. The First Lady is not asking Nigerians to remain in small businesses forever. Instead, she encourages women to start with available opportunities and grow from there.
Her advice reflects a simple principle. Build a strong foundation before aiming for bigger investments. Success often begins with modest steps.
Small Businesses Create Big Opportunities
Many successful Nigerian businesses started as small roadside ventures.
People often dismiss small trades because they appear insignificant. However, history shows they can become thriving enterprises.
Owning the ground floor before expanding remains a smart business strategy. If Nigerians ignore these opportunities, others will continue filling the gap.
Why Akara, Kulikuli and Roasted Corn Matter
Akara, kulikuli, and roasted corn represent more than food businesses. They teach discipline, capital management, and business growth.
These ventures also keep money within local communities. As a result, families earn income while local economies become stronger.
Moreover, every successful entrepreneur begins somewhere. Small businesses often provide the experience needed for future expansion.
Nigeria Already Lost the Akara Market Once
The First Lady’s example of akara highlights an important lesson.
Years ago, many Ghanaians dominated the akara business in cities like Lagos and Ibadan. They organised their operations, expanded quickly, and earned substantial profits.
Meanwhile, many local producers abandoned the trade because they considered it too small. Consequently, Nigerians temporarily lost control of a business they pioneered.
The lesson remains relevant today. Nigerians should never underestimate businesses with growth potential.
Success Stories from Ibadan
Several popular food brands prove that humble beginnings can lead to remarkable success.
Amala Sky, one of Ibadan’s best-known amala restaurants in Bodija, began as a small hawking business inside Bodija Market.
Likewise, Mama Ope started by selling cooked rice in Mokola Market. Today, both businesses have expanded beyond Oyo State and now operate branches in Abuja.
Their stories show that consistency and determination can transform small ventures into respected brands.
Northern Nigeria Provides Another Example
Northern Nigeria offers similar success stories.
In Kano, Kaduna, and Zaria, many women started by producing small batches of kulikuli and roasting corn beside the road.
Today, several of them own packaged food businesses that supply supermarkets across Nigeria.
These entrepreneurs demonstrate that traditional businesses can evolve into modern enterprises with proper planning and dedication.
Nigeria Must Protect Local Trades
Beyond food businesses, the First Lady’s message carries a broader economic warning.
Nigeria is gradually losing jobs in construction and skilled trades. Many bricklayers, plumbers, tilers, carpenters, and furniture makers now come from neighbouring West African countries.
These jobs should provide income for Nigerians. Therefore, citizens must embrace vocational skills and small businesses instead of dismissing them.
Building Nigeria Starts with Small Steps
The First Lady’s message is ultimately about productivity and economic patriotism.
Small businesses are not the destination. They are the starting point for bigger opportunities.
When Nigerians embrace productive work, they create jobs, build wealth, and strengthen communities. Over time, those small efforts can grow into successful companies that contribute significantly to the national economy.
