27/06/2026
My thoughts on the First Lady’s viral statement👇👇👇👇📌📌📌📌📌
First, let me be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with selling akara, kulikuli, roasted corn, or running any honest small business. Many great Nigerians were raised by hardworking parents who made a living through these trades. Honest work is dignified and should never be looked down upon.
However, my concern is different.👇👇👇👇👇📌
When the First Lady of a nation tells young people that they can start with akara or kulikuli, it sends a worrying message. It sounds as though those in power have accepted that this is the best solution they can offer to millions of Nigerians struggling with unemployment, inflation, and the rising cost of living.
This reminds me of similar comments made during President Buhari’s administration. The words may be different, but the message feels the same. Nigerians should lower their expectations instead of expecting government to create an environment where they can thrive.
Let us ask ourselves some honest questions.
When our parents were selling akara and other petty businesses decades ago, how much was rent? How much was a bag of rice? How much were school fees? How much was paracetamol? The cost of living then cannot be compared with what Nigerians are facing today.
How can someone who starts such a tiny business today survive the high cost of transportation, food, rent, electricity, and other daily expenses? More importantly, how will that person repay student loans or build lasting financial security?
If the government truly wants to empower the youth, there are far better options.
* Provide meaningful grants and low interest loans for young entrepreneurs.
* Create industries that generate sustainable jobs.
* Invest in vocational and digital skills.
* Award scholarships based strictly on merit, not political connections or family background.
* Support small businesses with policies that reduce the cost of doing business instead of simply telling people to “start small.”
One question I cannot ignore is this: Would our leaders advise their own children to leave school and go into the streets to sell akara or kulikuli as the solution to their future? If the answer is no, then ordinary Nigerians deserve better advice and better opportunities too.
I choose to believe the First Lady’s comment may have been poorly expressed rather than intentionally dismissive. Nevertheless, leaders must understand that every public statement carries weight. Nigerians are looking for hope, practical solutions, and policies that can improve their lives,not messages that appear to lower their aspirations.
Finally, this is why I always say, Vote for people, not political parties. A strong democracy needs representatives who will question bad policies, speak for the people, and hold those in power accountable. When one party dominates every institution, the people lose an important check on government.
Nigeria belongs to all of us. The time has come to elect leaders based on competence, character, compassion, and vision, not party loyalty.
Our votes should build a better future, not reward failed leadership.
VOTE NRM! VOTE ADEKUNLE ISHOLA ( OJUABERE) IDERA DE 2027. 👍
