Ex-Lawmaker Egoh Backs Remi Tinubu’s Akara, Kulikuli Business Advice for Low-Income Earners
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Mr Oghene Egoh, a former lawmaker who represented Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has backed the grant initiative of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at supporting low-income earners to establish small businesses such as akara and kulikuli ventures.
Egoh disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday, in Lagos.
He said that the initiative was designed to empower economically disadvantaged Nigerians and should not be dismissed because of the nature of the businesses it sought to support.
”The grant is not meant for wealthy Nigerians. It is targeted at ordinary citizens who struggle daily to make ends meet.
”Most of the people criticising the First Lady’s initiative are those who do not understand the realities faced by low-income earners.
”Many families survive on petty trading. With proper financial support, beneficiaries can start small businesses, grow them gradually and become financially independent,” he said.
Egoh said that across Nigeria, thousands of successful entrepreneurs had humble beginnings, stressing that no legitimate business should be looked down upon.
According to him, the country’s economic realities require practical interventions that directly support grassroots entrepreneurs instead of programmes that only exist on paper.
”Every successful business started small. Today’s major manufacturers and business owners once operated on a very small scale.
”We should encourage people to engage in productive ventures instead of ridiculing businesses that provide daily income and employment,” he said.
The former lawmaker urged beneficiaries of the grant to utilise the funds responsibly and avoid diverting them to non-productive activities.
He added that if properly monitored, the initiative could reduce unemployment, improve household incomes and stimulate local economies across communities.
”The objective is not just to give out money but to create sustainable livelihoods.
”When people invest in food processing and other micro-enterprises, they contribute to food security, create jobs and reduce poverty within their communities,” he said.
Egoh also called on governments at all levels to complement the initiative with business development training, access to affordable credit and continuous mentorship for beneficiaries.
He said that financial empowerment programmes would achieve greater impact when combined with entrepreneurial education and regular monitoring.
”We must move beyond giving grants alone. Beneficiaries should also receive training in financial management, customer relations and business expansion.
”That is how small businesses will survive, create employment and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth,” he said.
