Beyond Akara and Kulikuli: Why Nigerians Must Create Opportunities Instead of Waiting for Government Jobs

The Nigerian First Lady's recent comment that starting an Akara and Kulikuli business requires little capital has sparked mixed reactions across the country.

At first, many Nigerians, including myself, were disappointed. I questioned why those were the examples highlighted, especially considering the public criticism that followed President Bola Tinubu's previous remarks about "Agbado" before assuming office.

However, after reflecting on the statement, I realized that success doesn't follow a single path. Every individual has a different journey, and what works for one person may not work for another.

The harsh reality today is that many Nigerians can no longer afford to depend solely on the government for employment or financial stability. While this may be difficult to accept, it highlights the importance of becoming self-reliant.

Rather than remaining idle while waiting for a government job, people should consider learning a valuable skill, starting a small business, or identifying problems they can solve for others. Even if you don't have enough money to launch a business, you can earn by acting as a middleman—connecting clients with skilled professionals and making a profit through referrals or service markups.

Selling Akara and Kulikuli may not be everyone's choice, but the truth is that such businesses continue to provide a steady source of income for many Nigerians. The key message is not about the specific business mentioned, but about taking action, embracing entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities regardless of your starting point.

— Adapted from the opinion of Mayowa Oladele (#PenKraft)