Akara Is Not an Economic Policy: A Response to the First Lady's Remarks
Akara Is Not an Economic Policy: A Response to the First Lady's Remarks By Hon. Daniel Asekhame The recent suggestion by Nigeria's First Lady that recipients of her grants should establish akara businesses has generated widespread debate across the country. While there is nothing dishonorable about selling akara—indeed, it is a respectable means of earning a living—the statement raises deeper questions about the direction of economic leadership and the scale of solutions being offered to Nigerians facing unprecedented hardship. Nigeria is grappling with soaring inflation, high unemployment, rising food prices, a weakened currency, and growing insecurity. Millions of citizens, including university graduates and skilled professionals, are struggling to survive. In this context, presenting akara trading as a major pathway to economic empowerment risks appearing disconnected from the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians. Entrepreneurship is important, and small businesses des...