Musa shared a personal story about his mother, who sold akamu and akara to support their family, illustrating how her entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for his success. "Standing here today as the Minister of Defence, my mother sold akamu. It is with that akamu that she supported me," he reflected, highlighting the impact of her efforts.
The workshop, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” was a collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Defence and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Its aim was to equip participants with entrepreneurial skills and financial support, reinforcing the government's commitment to enhancing military families' welfare.
Musa's remarks came in response to mixed reactions regarding recent financial aid for akara sellers, provided by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. He expressed surprise at the criticism, underscoring the importance of supporting small-scale businesses. “Don’t let anybody make you feel that selling akara and akamu is below standard,” he asserted.
The minister encouraged attendees to embrace entrepreneurship as a means to uplift their households and communities. He reinforced that small businesses play a crucial role in economic empowerment and urged participants to seize opportunities for self-improvement.
The empowerment program is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to foster enterprise development among military families, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to thrive. Through such initiatives, the government aims to create a more supportive environment for those who sacrifice for the nation's safety.
Musa's passionate defense of petty trading serves as a reminder that every contribution, no matter how small, has value and can lead to significant change in one’s life. His message resonated deeply with those present, inspiring many to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with renewed vigor.
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