Posted by Chinenye on Thu 03rd Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
Before politics and power, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno says he was already making serious money from a humble roadside business.
(Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno. Photo Credit: Sun Nigeria)
The governor of Akwa Ibom State has shared his own success story with small business, revealing that he once earned at least N10 million monthly from selling akara and bread.
He disclosed this during a prayer service in the state that later went viral online.
The governor explained that he started by selling akara and bread packaged together as "Akara Burger", later opening a coffee shop as well.
He said workers heading to a major oil facility in the mornings became regular customers of the business, buying the product and coffee before work.
He called the venture profitable and said it taught him valuable lessons about building businesses from humble beginnings.
His comments have renewed attention on small-scale enterprises at a time when Nigeria's top leaders have been discussing how ordinary people can improve their lives through petty trading.
Earlier this year, the First Lady sparked controversy when she suggested that Nigerians could start small businesses like akara selling and corn roasting to boost their income.
Her remarks drew criticism online, with some accusing her of being disconnected from everyday economic struggles.
The First Lady later clarified that the empowerment programme covered various small traders including tomato sellers, roasted plantain vendors and pepper traders, not just akara sellers.
She announced a N100 million intervention fund for petty traders in one state, giving each person N50,000 to grow their business.
The President himself later joked about the discussion, playfully referring to his wife by a nickname related to akara.
The governor's account of his own akara business success has now refocused the conversation on whether small enterprises can genuinely help Nigerians build steady livelihoods.
“I started selling Akara and bread. I made not less than ₦10m in a month” — Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno pic.twitter.com/5PuuwIjzBf
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) September 2, 2026