By Ibrahim Muhammad
Akara sellers and other petty traders in Jigawa State have defended the recent empowerment initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, following criticism and social media reactions to her support for small-scale traders across the country.
The traders spoke in response to the donation of ₦100 million by the First Lady to support 2,000 women petty traders, including akara sellers, kuli-kuli producers, tomato vendors and other small-scale entrepreneurs.
The initiative comes amid ongoing public debate over earlier remarks by the First Lady, who cited low-capital businesses such as akara selling, roasted corn vending and kuli-kuli production as viable sources of livelihood. While some Nigerians criticised the comments as being out of touch with the country’s economic realities, others have defended them as examples of grassroots entrepreneurship.
Responding to the criticism, the First Lady clarified that her empowerment programme was not limited to akara sellers alone but was designed to support a wide range of petty traders.
“I am aware of the criticism about my statement on supporting akara sellers. It is not only akara sellers; it includes other petty traders. I know this support will definitely help them improve their businesses, and I believe they appreciate it,” she said.
Speaking on the development, Halima, an akara seller in Dutse who has been in the business for more than 15 years, said the trade has enabled her to cater for her family and finance her children’s education.
“People laugh at us and think akara selling is a small business, but this akara is what feeds my children and keeps them in school,” she said.
The mother of six added that the First Lady’s intervention would significantly boost the businesses of women traders struggling with limited capital.
Similarly, another akara seller at Yan Tifa market in Dutse, Hajiya Lami, commended the initiative and called for transparency and accountability in the distribution of the grant.
“This is the first time someone in government has remembered us and made plans to support us. This assistance will surely help improve our businesses and our economic conditions,” she said.
The beneficiaries expressed optimism that the empowerment programme would provide much-needed support to petty traders and contribute to improving the livelihoods of vulnerable women across the state.
