Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has revealed that he once earned at least N10 million monthly from an akara and bread business before entering politics.
Eno made the disclosure during the state’s monthly covenant prayer service on Tuesday, saying he started the venture by selling akara and bread, which he marketed as “Akara Burger.”
According to the governor, the business later expanded into a coffee shop that attracted workers, particularly those heading to ExxonMobil in the mornings.
“We started coffee shop and then they will take it. Every month, that Akara business used to give me nothing less than N10 million in a month,” Eno said.
He said the experience taught him valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and how successful businesses can grow from small beginnings.
His comments have renewed attention on the potential of petty trading and small-scale businesses as sources of income, particularly following recent discussions surrounding the Federal Government’s support for petty traders.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had earlier promoted small businesses such as akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli as possible means of improving livelihoods.
Her remarks sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning whether such businesses could significantly improve household incomes amid economic challenges.
Eno’s personal account, however, has added a different perspective to the debate, highlighting his claim that his own akara venture once generated millions of naira in monthly revenue.
