Minister of Works David Umahi has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s call for young Nigerians to embrace vocational skills and entrepreneurship, saying her message has been misunderstood and unfairly criticised.
Speaking during a public address aired on Channels Television on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Umahi said the First Lady’s remarks were intended to promote self-reliance, productivity and the dignity of labour rather than discourage ambition.
Reflecting on his upbringing, the minister said his mother sold akara while both his parents were farmers, adding that their sacrifices enabled his success.
“My mother sold akara. My mother was a farmer. My father was a farmer. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that, because they used that to train me, I will continue to sell akara at their scale or continue to farm at their scale. Why do we make a joke of every genuine advice?” he said.
Umahi argued that every society depends on people with diverse skills and occupations, stressing that not everyone can pursue white-collar careers. He urged Nigerians to engage constructively with policies aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and economic self-sufficiency, amid ongoing debate over the First Lady’s comments.
