Abuja Akara Vendor Confirms Financial Support from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

Ayobami Ogunmoroti, a Nigerian university graduate who operates a popular local food business in Abuja, has confirmed receiving vital financial support from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. The intervention has successfully enabled him to upgrade his roadside setup into a modern food kiosk.

Ogunmoroti, widely known as “Ayo Alakara,” made the disclosure in a social media video. His statement follows recent public discussions during which the First Lady highlighted his story as a prime example of why citizens should embrace and scale up small-scale enterprises. The narrative even prompted a lighthearted reference from President Bola Tinubu, who jokingly referred to his wife as “Iya Alakara” (akara seller) during a recent state dinner.

“Yes, I received the money. The money came at the right time for me,” Ogunmoroti said, expressing his gratitude. “I was frying akara under a tree before. But when I received the support, I was able to build a very befitting food kiosk where I now operate today.”

According to the First Lady, her office had quietly reached out to the young graduate after learning about his determination to run a business in the capital city despite holding a degree. She noted that the financial backing was intended to help him expand, adding that he has since grown his enterprise to employ 12 staff members.

Ogunmoroti, who holds a degree in Political Science Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, originally started his business during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year. He later relocated to Abuja, rebranding his venture as “Akara Ayo” with customized packaging and delivery services to challenge the stereotypes associated with roadside food vending.

Beyond expressing his gratitude, Ogunmoroti used the platform to advocate for safer food handling practices. He urged fellow vendors across the country to stop packaging hot food in single-use nylon bags due to chemical safety concerns, emphasizing that traditional delicacies can be both nutritionally rich and professionally branded.