Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to respect and appreciate petty traders, insisting that there is dignity in every honest means of livelihood, no matter how small.

Musa made the appeal while addressing widows and wives of military personnel at an event in Abuja, where he shared his personal story to inspire the beneficiaries.

The Defence Minister revealed that his mother supported the family by selling akara and akamu, explaining that her determination to contribute to the household income played a significant role in shaping his future.

According to him, his mother's small business complemented his father's efforts and transformed the fortunes of their family, ultimately laying the foundation for his rise to one of the country's highest public offices.

Musa also reflected on the criticism that greeted First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu's decision to provide financial assistance to akara sellers and other petty traders through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), saying he was surprised by the negative reactions.

"A few weeks ago, the First Lady, the mother of the nation, contributed some amount for akara sellers and others, and I was surprised when I heard the responses from citizens," he said.

"Standing here today as the Minister of Defence, my mother sold akamu. It is with that akamu that supported my mother to where I am today."

Expressing gratitude for his mother's sacrifices, Musa said her commitment to petty trading helped secure a better future for the family and should serve as a lesson that no legitimate business deserves to be ridiculed.

"I am very proud that my mother supported my father by selling akara and akamu. Don't let anybody make you feel that selling akara and akamu is below standard," he added.

The minister stressed that honest work, regardless of its scale, deserves dignity and respect, urging Nigerians to value hardworking men and women who earn a living through legitimate businesses.