Minister of Works, David Umahi has come out strongly in defence of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, following public reactions to her recent comments encouraging Nigerians, especially young people, to embrace vocational skills and small-scale entrepreneurship as a practical path to self-reliance.
The First Lady had sparked widespread debate after suggesting that Nigerians should not overlook the value of modest businesses such as roasting corn, selling akara, and engaging in other informal vocational activities as legitimate ways of earning a living in the face of rising unemployment. While some citizens praised the message as realistic and grounded in everyday Nigerian life, others criticised it, arguing that it reflected a lack of ambition in addressing structural economic challenges.
Speaking at a public event, Umahi dismissed the criticisms and urged Nigerians to focus on the intent behind the message rather than turning it into a subject of ridicule. He stressed that the country needs a cultural shift in how work and productivity are perceived, especially among young people who often equate success only with white-collar employment.
According to him, every meaningful economy is built on the productivity of its people, regardless of the scale or nature of their occupations. He referenced other countries where citizens are encouraged to engage actively in work at all levels of the economy, noting that national development cannot be achieved when large segments of the population remain idle or dependent.
Umahi argued that vocational skills and small-scale enterprises should not be dismissed as inferior. Instead, they should be seen as foundational sectors that support larger economic growth. He emphasized that the dignity of labour lies not in the prestige of a job title but in the honesty and productivity of the work being done.
To illustrate his point, the minister drew from his personal background, revealing that he comes from a modest upbringing where his family relied on basic occupations to survive and educate their children. He shared that his mother was involved in selling akara, a popular Nigerian bean cake, while his father worked as a farmer.
He explained that these humble beginnings did not limit his potential but rather laid the groundwork for his development and eventual rise into leadership positions. In his view, such experiences should inspire pride rather than shame, as they represent resilience, discipline, and the value of hard work.
Umahi clarified that acknowledging humble origins does not mean remaining confined to them. Instead, it reflects the idea that individuals can grow beyond their starting point through education, determination, and opportunity. He noted that many successful people across different sectors began from similarly modest backgrounds, yet were able to transform their lives through consistent effort.
The minister also questioned the growing trend of dismissing sincere advice, particularly when it comes from public figures. He expressed concern that constructive conversations about employment and survival strategies are often reduced to jokes or social media criticism, which he believes undermines serious national discussions about economic development.
He reiterated that Nigeria, like many developing countries, cannot rely solely on formal employment sectors to absorb its growing population. According to him, entrepreneurship, vocational training, and informal sector activities are essential components of a balanced economy that provides opportunities for all citizens.
Umahi further urged Nigerians to rethink their attitudes toward work, emphasizing that no honest job should be considered inferior. He argued that national progress depends on collective participation in productive activities, whether large or small, formal or informal.
He also addressed the emotional reaction surrounding the First Lady’s comments, saying that public discourse should be guided by understanding rather than mockery. In his words, people should evaluate the message being conveyed instead of focusing on how it is framed or who delivers it.
The minister’s comments have added a new dimension to the ongoing national conversation about unemployment, youth empowerment, and the role of vocational education in Nigeria’s economic future. While some critics continue to argue that the government should focus more on creating industrial jobs and improving infrastructure, supporters of the First Lady’s message see it as a realistic encouragement for citizens to take initiative in a challenging economy.
As the debate continues, Umahi’s defence highlights a broader ideological divide in public discourse: one side emphasizing structural reforms and high-level job creation, and the other stressing grassroots entrepreneurship and self-employment as immediate survival tools.
Regardless of the differing views, the conversation has once again brought attention to Nigeria’s employment challenges and the urgent need for diversified economic pathways that can accommodate millions of young people entering the workforce each year.
