Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s controversial remarks on entrepreneurship, stating that her message promotes dignity in honest labour, a stance that has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria. Speaking at a public event, Umahi shared personal anecdotes, revealing that his mother sold akara while his father was a farmer, to underscore the legitimacy of the First Lady’s call for Nigerians to embrace small-scale business. He emphasized that not everyone is destined for corporate roles like banking, and that diverse occupations contribute meaningfully to national development. His comments come amid intense public scrutiny following the First Lady’s empowerment message, which some critics argue downplays the need for structural economic reforms.
Umahi’s defense has drawn mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the sincerity of his narrative. Some users expressed skepticism, pointing out the irony of a minister whose family once engaged in petty trading now holding a high-ranking government position. Others criticized the government’s failure to create sustainable employment opportunities, arguing that encouragement to sell akara or farm should not replace policy-driven job creation. One Twitter user, @ayo2olu, questioned why Umahi did not support his own wife in a similar business, while @OkonkwoDavidC1 condemned the leadership as “useless and wicked” for not empowering their own families in such ventures.
Despite the backlash, Umahi maintained that his personal story validates the First Lady’s message. He reiterated that every Nigerian should be proud of their chosen profession, regardless of its social perception. His statement, “My mother sold akara and my father was a farmer. The First Lady’s advice is genuine. Everyone won’t be bankers,” became a focal point of online discussions. While some praised his honesty and humility, others mocked the narrative, suggesting it was a calculated move to align with the First Lady’s agenda. @Essay007 sarcastically advised him to “leave your ministry go sell the akara na,” highlighting the disconnect many feel between leadership and grassroots realities.
The debate reflects deeper frustrations about Nigeria’s economic challenges and the gap between political rhetoric and lived experience. While Umahi and the First Lady advocate for self-reliance and entrepreneurship, critics argue that without access to capital, infrastructure, and fair market conditions, such advice may not be enough to lift millions out of poverty. As the conversation continues, the government faces mounting pressure to balance inspirational messaging with concrete policy actions that address unemployment and inequality. The coming months will reveal whether these discussions lead to tangible reforms or remain confined to public statements.
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