By Emem Nsini-Godwin
A roadside akara seller whose inspiring journey captured the attention of Nigerians has revealed how financial support from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu transformed his small business into a thriving food kiosk, while the Yobe State Government has announced a major empowerment programme targeting female akara sellers and other small-scale entrepreneurs.
Ayobami Ogunmoroti, popularly known as Ayo Alakara on social media, confirmed on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, that financial assistance from the First Lady came at a crucial moment, enabling him to expand his business from operating under a tree to owning a permanent food kiosk.
Speaking in an interview with Punch Metro, the Political Science Education graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said the intervention changed the course of his entrepreneurial journey.
“Yes, I received the money. The money came at the right time for me. In fact, I was frying akara under this tree before. But when I received the money, I was able to build this very befitting food kiosk for myself where I now sell akara today,” Ogunmoroti said.
Expressing gratitude to the First Lady, he added, “Thank you very much, ma. I cannot appreciate you enough. The money came at the right time for me. May God Almighty continue to support you, support your husband, and support your administration.”
Mrs. Tinubu had earlier disclosed that her office quietly extended financial support to Ogunmoroti after learning about his determination and entrepreneurial spirit. According to her, the assistance has not only helped him establish a permanent business but has also enabled him to create employment for 12 people.
Beyond sharing his success story, Ogunmoroti used the opportunity to advocate for improved standards within the akara business. He encouraged vendors across the country to stop packaging hot akara in nylon due to health concerns and instead embrace branding and proper packaging to elevate the trade.
“Akara is not poor. Akara is rich in nutrition. Akara can be packaged. Akara can be branded,” he said.
Meanwhile, the drive to empower akara sellers has gained further momentum in Yobe State.
On Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Yobe State Executive Council approved the sum of N460.83 million to support female small-scale business owners, including akara vendors, across the state.
The approval followed the council meeting presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni in Damaturu.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, disclosed that the funds would be used to procure 1,780 bags of beans, which would be distributed alongside cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchen equipment already procured by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.
“These will be distributed along with cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and kitchenware, which have already been procured and stored by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation,” Bego said.
The State Executive Council also approved N364.48 million for the procurement of 1,000 grinding machines to be distributed under the state’s broader economic empowerment initiative.
The approvals form part of a wider N73.32 billion development package covering agriculture, road construction, housing projects, market infrastructure and programmes aimed at strengthening livelihoods across Yobe State.
The twin developments highlight growing efforts by both the federal and state governments to support micro-enterprises, particularly women and small business owners, while encouraging entrepreneurship as a tool for job creation and economic growth.
