Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Tunde Lemo, has said he is comfortable being called “Baba Elewa” or “Ewa Boy,” reflecting on his childhood helping his grandmother sell beans.
Speaking during an interview on The Legacy Series on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Lemo recalled growing up in his grandmother’s home, where she earned a living by selling beans. He said that after returning from school each day, he assisted her by hawking beans.
“I grew up in the house of my grandmother who was selling beans. So in the afternoon when I came back from school, I would also help her to hawk beans. When people jokingly call our first lady, ‘Mama Alakara,’ you can call me ‘Baba Elewa’ or ‘Ewa Boy,'” Lemo said.
Lemo said the experience shaped his outlook on life and underscored the dignity of honest labour. His remarks highlighted the importance of embracing one’s background and taking pride in the experiences that contribute to personal growth.
