Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has revealed that a food business he started with akara and bread was generating at least N10 million monthly before he ventured into politics.
Eno said his experience in the business demonstrated how a modest venture could be developed into a substantial enterprise through innovation and patronage.
The governor made the disclosure during the state’s monthly covenant prayer service, where he reflected on his entrepreneurial experience before entering public office.
He recalled that he initially sold akara and bread, which he branded “Akara Burger”, before expanding the venture into a coffee shop.
According to him, the business attracted strong patronage from workers, especially those heading to ExxonMobil in the morning.
He said customers would buy the akara and bread combination alongside coffee before proceeding to work, helping the business grow into a major source of income.
“At a point, that business was making not less than N10 million every month,” Eno said.
The governor’s account comes against the backdrop of renewed debate over the potential of small scale businesses to provide income for Nigerians amid economic pressures.
The debate was triggered in part by comments from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who had encouraged Nigerians to consider petty businesses, including akara, roasted corn and kuli kuli, as avenues for improving livelihoods.
The remarks, made in June after a Renewed Hope Initiative meeting with wives of state governors in Abuja, attracted criticism from some Nigerians.
Some questioned whether such ventures could sufficiently cushion the economic hardship confronting households.
The First Lady subsequently clarified that the empowerment programme was not limited to akara sellers.
She added that it also covered other petty traders dealing in items such as tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and roasted plantain.
She later announced a N100 million intervention for 2,000 petty traders in Jigawa State, with each beneficiary receiving N50,000 to strengthen their businesses.
President Bola Tinubu also joined the public conversation when he jokingly referred to his wife as “Iya Alakara” at a Presidential Press Corps Dinner.
Eno’s personal account, however, presented a different dimension to the debate.
His account also comes against the background of a career that included substantial involvement in business before his transition into government.
The governor’s official profile describes him as a businessman and entrepreneur.
He was involved in the hospitality sector and served as chairman of the Akwa Ibom Hotels and Tourism Board before his political career gathered momentum.
Eno was appointed Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Akwa Ibom State in 2021 before emerging as the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for the 2023 governorship election.
He won the election and was sworn in as governor on May 29, 2023.