The akara business pays

By OSAS ALIBOR

AT the street corner, or even, in the most unlikely of places, she is there – the fried beans cake (akara) maker. For her ubiquity, she finds place and patronage from all segments of society, including, quite incredibly, the rich, high and mighty.

And why not? In Nigeria, as in most other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Pap, locally called akamu, and agidi (the solid pasty variant of pap), are favourite meals, especially as breakfast.

Both agidi and akamu are local delicacies, taken with well fried bean cake (akara), which also comes in handy in eating bread and garri (either anhydrous or hydrous (soaked in water or eaten ‘dry’). This is besides the fact that Akara can also be munched, with relish, on its own by many.

But what is the economic fortune of the akara fryer, and why, of all trade, has she taken into it?

Our man, Osas Alibor, was up and about town recently on the subject, and his finding? It may shock you: those behind it (at least the three he interacted with), gave the same verdict in paraphrase: though over looked, the business is okay and we are in for good and, wait for it, for long!

Hear them:

Mrs. Helen Ekwemuka

“I started this business, more than 13 years ago, due to unemployment. At first, I used to ask myself what profit can I truly make from Akara business. But as things began to unfold, I found myself making profit. I now make more money than the average, junior civil servant. I have trained my children, even up to the university level. I pay my rent and also help my extended family members.

For Mary Nnabuike, who hails from Ihiala, Anambra State, the story is the same. She said: “It is a very good job and it is lucrative. I started to fry akara more than 38 years ago. I have taught my children and others how to do it. From this business, I have built my own house, trained some of my children, even up to the university level and helped others whom I consider reasonable to help. Although I am not rich, I appreciate God. I advise those wanting to venture into it to persevere and they will make it. In my case, I thought the akara business is not lucrative but little did I know that the frying of akara is my destiny. I am doing the job till my old age.”

Another akara maker, Madam Blessing Obiosa, said: “I started more than 20 years ago. I am doing well. I am able to feed my children and help my husband finance some of domestic responsibilities. On good days, I make up to N2,500 from the akara business. It is a good business inspite of the hazards of fire and smoke.”