REVISITING THE AKARA CONTROVERSY BY_ TIMEHIN SAHEED OLUROTIMI

It's been over a month since I last wrote my Jumʿah reflections. This was due to my health challenges. Since last June, so many things have happened that could have attracted my comments, review, or reaction. The one I found particularly intriguing was the political weaponization of a statement credited to the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She had caused a major uproar through one of her speeches. The speech, obviously made in an understandable context, was deliberately distorted and taken out of context. 

Addressing the plight of poor people, she had advocated that Nigerians, particularly rural dwellers, could survive on the sale of Akara, the local bean cake, or other petty stuff. As expected, the speech attracted commendations and condemnations. The surprising thing is that those who condemned are more than those who commended the speech. 

My darling little brother and junior colleague, Dr. Gab, an unusually gifted wordsmith, had tried to spiritedly deconstruct the First Lady's message for rational minds, but he, too, was unjustly maligned. It is, however, clear to the unbiased reader that the woman's speech had only one message: growing wealth steadily through small beginnings.

We live in a world where everything is done in a hurry. Children are hurriedly forced into maturity; rushed through school, carried on wings of vain dreams into imaginary worlds of futile progress. The result? Superficial success: materially empowered generation that is morally impaired and mentally deficient.

When we say to this generation: Start small, and build slowly, they are told, "Start big." They have been turned into a generation that *celebrates the mansion but forgets the first brick; that applauds the harvest but ignores the lonely seed; a generation that envies the millionaire, without asking about the countless mornings when there was nothing except hope.

What this generation does not know or has chosen to ignore is that every giant Iroko tree once trembled as a fragile seed. Every roaring river was once a quiet stream. Every empire, every institution, or legacy began with something that looked too small to matter.

So one wonders why they despise their own reality. Why mock the small business? The lone customer? The first thousand naira? The modest savings? The petty trade?

One also wonders who told them that greatness announces itself with fireworks? The universal truth, however, is that it sometimes it arrives quietly wearing the clothes of ordinary days.

Wealth...Real wealth... doesn't usually sprint. It walks patiently, faithfully, and steadily. One disciplined decision after another. One honest transaction after another. One lesson learned: one risk, one shock, one moment of smile, several moments of sighs...

Then a brave shift from Akara to puff - puff and buns; then the addition of satchet water, table water, and soft drinks. Until one day, success comes knocking, and those who did not know your story call you an overnight success without ever seeing the thousands of ordinary nights that built extraordinary mornings.

This generation should be raised not to underestimate the mathematics of consistency. One coin saved every day. One page read every night. One skill improved every week. One opportunity taken with courage. This is the invisible architect of visible success.

And for those of us who believe. We know something deeper. We know that provision

does not come from the market. It comes from Allah. The market... is only a means. The Employer is only a means. The customer is only a means. The investment is only a means.

Allah reminds us:

"And that there is not for man except that for which he strives." (Qur'an 53:39).

We are enjoined to strive. Strive honestly, earn lawfully, spend wisely, and give generously. That's when Allah's blessings are attracted. Wealth without blessing is merely a set of numbers. But little wealth with barakah can feed generations. This generation should, therefore, not chase quick money. They should rather chase lasting values. They shouldn't pursue empty luxury. They should pursue meaningful legacy.

Riches can only fill pockets, but only purpose can fill lives. Today, if all you have is one idea. Protect it. If all you have is one customer, serve them well. If all you have is one opportunity, cherish it. If all you have is one seed, plant it, believe in it, nurture it, and be patient with it.

Never laugh at small beginnings. Because tomorrow, the whole world may gather under the shade of the tree you almost refused to plant. Start small. Dream greatly. Work consistently and trust Allah completely. Let every small step become a staircase to a future that once seemed impossible.

May Allah’s Limitless Spring of Benevolence embrace your dreams, recharge your resolve, and bless your efforts.

Jumʿah Mubarakah 

© Timehin Saheed Olurotimi

- Nigeria.

7th of August, 2026.