A Nigerian akara vendor and university graduate, Ayobami Ogunmoroti, popularly known as Ayo Alakara, has revealed how financial support from First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu transformed his business, enabling him to move from selling akara under a tree to operating a fully established food kiosk.
Ogunmoroti, a graduate of Political Science Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), shared his testimony in a video posted on his TikTok page on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to the First Lady for the timely intervention.
According to him, the financial support came at a crucial stage in his entrepreneurial journey and helped him expand his business significantly.
“I saw a trending video of our First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, where she said she empowered one university graduate who sells akara in Abuja.
“Yes, I received the money. The money came at the right time for me. In fact, I was frying Akara under this tree before. But when I received the money, I was able to build this very befitting food kiosk for myself, where I now sell akara today,” he said.
The entrepreneur also offered prayers for the First Lady and President Bola Tinubu, appreciating the support he received.
“Thank you very much, ma. I cannot appreciate you enough. The money came at the right time for me.
“May God Almighty continue to support you, support your husband, and support your administration,” he added.
The testimony comes after the First Lady disclosed that her office quietly provided financial assistance to a university graduate selling akara in Abuja after learning about his business.
According to Oluremi Tinubu, the intervention enabled the young entrepreneur to expand his operations and create employment for 12 workers.
Ogunmoroti's story has continued to inspire many Nigerians, especially young graduates exploring entrepreneurship amid the country's challenging economic climate.
In an interview with PUNCH in 2024, Ogunmoroti explained that he ventured into the akara business during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his source of income.
He later relocated to Abuja, where he rebranded his business as "Akara Ayo," introducing branded packaging and delivery services, a move that helped grow the business and attract more customers.
His latest revelation has reignited conversations on the impact of targeted support for small businesses and youth-led enterprises in Nigeria.