Jide Awobona Joins Akara Business Trend, Turns First Lady’s Advice Into Reality

Nollywood actor Jide Awobona has joined the growing list of celebrities embracing small-scale entrepreneurship after launching his own akara business.

The actor shared a video of himself frying akara on Instagram while announcing that he is now available to serve customers at different events, including weddings, burials, naming ceremonies, and private gatherings.

Awobona, who humorously introduced himself as “Jide Alakara,” also revealed that he offers tutoring services alongside the food business.

“I AM ALSO AVAILABLE TO TRAVEL. I SERVE EVENTS — intimate gatherings, burial, weddings, naming, remembrance. We also do tutoring. JIDE ALAKARA IS HERE TO SERVE YOU,” he wrote.

His move comes shortly after Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, advised citizens facing economic challenges to explore small businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli, describing them as businesses that can be started with little capital.

The advice has since sparked reactions, with entertainers including actress Nkechi Blessing also promoting akara and corn sales online.

Opinion: Celebrity businesses may look like comedy, but the message is deeper

While many Nigerians have joked about celebrities entering the akara business, the reality behind the trend is that economic pressure has forced many people to rethink survival strategies.

For years, celebrity status was often associated with luxury lifestyles and high-profile investments, but seeing entertainers publicly embrace everyday businesses sends a different message — that no honest hustle is beneath anyone.

Jide Awobona’s akara venture may have started as a humorous response to economic conversations, but it also reflects a growing reality: Nigerians are increasingly looking beyond traditional income sources and finding creative ways to stay financially active.

In a country where many people are battling rising costs of living, the willingness of public figures to promote small businesses could inspire more people to see entrepreneurship as an option rather than a last resort.