Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has shared an inspiring story about his entrepreneurial journey, revealing that he once earned N10 million monthly from his akara and bread business prior to entering politics. This revelation was made during the state’s monthly covenant prayer service, which has since gained significant attention.

Eno recounted how he initially started his business by selling akara and bread, creatively packaging them as "Akara Burger." He explained that this innovative approach attracted many customers, particularly workers heading to ExxonMobil in the mornings. "We started coffee shop and then they will take it. Every month, that Akara business used to give me nothing less than ₦10 million in a month," he stated.

The governor's narrative highlights the importance of small-scale businesses in fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency. His success story resonates with recent discussions around entrepreneurship in Nigeria, particularly following comments made by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. During a meeting in June, she encouraged Nigerians to explore small businesses like akara and kuli-kuli as a means to improve their livelihoods, emphasizing that such ventures require minimal capital to start.

However, the First Lady's remarks sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many accusing her of being disconnected from the economic struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians. In response, she clarified that the initiative aimed to empower various small-scale traders, not just those selling akara. She also announced a N100 million intervention for 2,000 petty traders in Jigawa State, with each beneficiary set to receive N50,000 to help recapitalize their businesses.

The discussions around small businesses have gained momentum, especially with President Bola Tinubu humorously referring to his wife as "Iya Alakara" during a recent event, which further highlighted the significance of local enterprises in the economy.

Governor Eno's account serves as a timely reminder of the potential that small businesses hold in creating sustainable livelihoods. His experience underscores the value of starting from humble beginnings and the lessons learned through entrepreneurship, which can inspire others to pursue similar paths in the face of economic challenges.