Minister of Works, David Umahi, has revealed that his mother used to sell beans pudding, popularly known as akara, while his father worked as a farmer.
Umahi made the disclosure while defending Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, over her recent comments encouraging young Nigerians to embrace hard work and acquire vocational skills.
The First Lady had advised youths to consider simple trades such as roasting corn and selling akara as a means of livelihood, a remark that sparked criticism from some Nigerians.
Reacting to the backlash, Umahi described her comments as sincere and well-intentioned, insisting they should not be mocked.
Speaking at a public event, the minister urged Nigerians to stop turning genuine advice into ridicule, stressing that hard work and productivity are essential for national development.
He noted that his own upbringing was shaped by humble beginnings, with his mother selling akara and his father farming to support the family, adding that while such efforts helped raise him, it did not mean he had to remain at the same level.
Umahi further emphasized that not everyone can work in white-collar jobs like banking, urging citizens to take vocational work seriously and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.
Recent comments by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, encouraging young Nigerians to embrace vocational skills and small-scale businesses have continued to generate mixed reactions across the country.
The First Lady had advised youths to explore opportunities such as roasting corn and selling akara as practical ways to earn a living and build financial independence, but the remarks were met with criticism from some Nigerians who argued that the country’s economic realities demand more sustainable solutions.
Her comments have since sparked a broader conversation about unemployment, entrepreneurship, and the value of vocational skills in Nigeria’s economy.
Amid the debate, Minister of Works David Umahi has weighed in, defending the First Lady’s position while drawing from his own upbringing to stress the importance of hard work, resilience, and humble beginnings in shaping future success.
