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Minister of Defence, Mohammed Christopher Musa (retd.), has urged Nigerians to respect petty traders, saying there is dignity in honest work regardless of the size of the business. Speaking at a training and financial empowerment programme for widows and wives of military personnel in Abuja, Musa recalled that his mother sold akamu and akara to support the family, stressing that her sacrifices played a major role in his journey to becoming Defence Minister.
The minister said he was surprised by the criticism that followed recent financial support provided by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to petty traders, including akara sellers. He argued that many successful Nigerians were raised through the proceeds of small-scale businesses and warned against looking down on people who earn an honest living through trading.
Musa encouraged Nigerians, particularly military families, to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance, noting that no legitimate means of livelihood should be considered inferior. He described petty trading as a respectable occupation capable of transforming lives and supporting families, urging citizens to value hard work over social status.
