Actress Eucharia Anunobi urges Nigerians to start akara, corn businesses
Actress and evangelist Eucharia Anunobi urged Nigerians seeking urgent financial help to consider starting small businesses like frying akara, roasting corn, or making kulikuli, stressing that every successful venture begins small. Speaking in a video shared on her social media page on Sunday, she echoed First Lady Oluremi Tinubu's call for Nigerians to embrace ventures such as akara, kulikuli and corn businesses rather than remain idle, noting that God blesses the work of one's hands. The First Lady later clarified that her empowerment initiatives extend beyond street food to include traders in tomatoes, vegetables, pepper and roasted plantain (bole). President Bola Tinubu acknowledged his wife's message at the recent Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja. Social media reactions were mixed: some users praised the encouragement to hustle, while others pointed out that starting even a modest business requires capital, a suitable location and market access, arguing that the advice overlooks systemic barriers. Readers interested in informal entrepreneurship should assess startup costs, location and market demand, and explore available government empowerment programs for traders. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate between self-reliance and government handouts, spotlighting informal sector opportunities while underscoring the need for startup support and an enabling environment.