Minister of Works David Umahi recently shared details of his humble upbringing, noting that his father worked as a farmer and his mother sold akara, a traditional bean snack. He used these personal experiences to defend First Lady Oluremi Tinubu after her recent comments suggesting that Nigerian youth should embrace vocational skills and hard work, such as selling akara or roasting corn, drew significant public criticism.
Addressing the backlash during a public gathering, Umahi argued that the First Lady’s message was authentic and intended to inspire a stronger national work ethic. He urged citizens to stop mocking well-intentioned advice, emphasizing the need for every Nigerian to contribute to the nation’s economic progress. Comparing the country’s potential to the productivity seen in China, the minister maintained that people should prioritize active employment over skepticism. He clarified that while his parents’ work provided for him, it did not mean he had to remain in those exact trades, rather the focus should be on having a productive occupation rather than chasing unrealistic expectations of employment.
