By Faith Eze
Umo Eno Shares His Business Story
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has attracted attention after revealing that he once made at least ₦10 million every month from selling akara and bread before venturing fully into public service and politics. The governor shared the story while reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey and the businesses he built before becoming a political leader. His comments have generated considerable discussion online, especially because akara and bread are commonly seen as simple and affordable food items in Nigeria.
According to Governor Eno, his business journey included starting with a relatively simple food venture. He said he sold akara and bread and developed a special way of serving the two together. He described the product as an “Akara Burger,” explaining that bread was opened and akara was placed inside for customers. The idea gave customers a convenient breakfast option, particularly in the morning when many workers were heading to their places of employment.
The governor explained that his location and customer base played an important role in the growth of the business. He recalled that people going to work, including workers associated with ExxonMobil, were among those who bought the akara and bread in the morning. He said the business later expanded beyond akara and bread into a coffee shop, allowing customers to have their food with coffee. This shows how he tried to understand what customers wanted and add other products to the original business.
The most striking part of Governor Eno's story was the amount he said the business generated. According to him, the akara and bread business brought in not less than ₦10 million per month. He repeated the figure while explaining the success of the venture. The statement has attracted widespread attention because akara is usually associated with small-scale food businesses operated by individuals and families across Nigeria.
However, it is important to understand exactly what the governor said. Reports of his statement describe the ₦10 million as what the business “gave” or generated for him monthly. He did not provide detailed figures showing the business's daily sales, operating expenses, number of akara pieces sold, number of customers served or the exact period during which the business generated that amount. Therefore, the statement should not automatically be interpreted as ₦10 million in pure profit. Some reports have also noted that the details behind the figure were not provided.
Beyond the controversial figure, the story highlights Governor Eno's background as a businessman. His official biography says he established Royalty Hotels & Recreations Ltd in 1997, beginning with five rooms before the company grew into a wider hospitality and allied-services group. The group later included hotels, apartments, eateries, coffee shops, industrial catering and other businesses. The state government also describes him as having extensive experience in business management, finance, strategic planning and business expansion.
Governor Eno's story also brings attention to the opportunities that can exist in Nigeria's food business. Akara is a popular Nigerian food made mainly from beans, while bread is one of the country's widely consumed breakfast foods. Combining both products into a convenient package can make the food attractive to busy workers and commuters. The governor's account suggests that identifying a regular customer base, providing convenience and adding complementary products can help a small food business grow into something bigger.
The revelation has also become part of a wider national conversation about small businesses and entrepreneurship. In recent months, there has been public discussion about whether Nigerians can use simple businesses such as akara selling, roasted corn, vegetables and other petty trading activities to earn income. Some government-backed empowerment initiatives have focused on helping small traders with financial support to start or strengthen their businesses. Governor Eno's personal account has therefore added another perspective to the discussion.
At the same time, reactions to the governor's statement have been mixed. While some people see his story as an example of how business can grow from a simple idea, others have questioned how an akara and bread business could generate ₦10 million every month. Social media discussions have focused particularly on the lack of detailed information about the business's sales volume, expenses and profits. These reactions show why financial claims about businesses often need proper context before people can fully understand them.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, however, there is still a useful lesson in the story. Governor Eno's account demonstrates the importance of starting with what customers need, creating a convenient product and gradually expanding when an opportunity becomes available. His akara-and-bread business reportedly developed into a coffee shop, showing how one business idea can lead to another when an entrepreneur pays attention to customer behaviour.
Governor Umo Eno's revelation has consequently become more than a story about akara and bread. It has sparked conversations about entrepreneurship, business opportunities, wealth creation and the realities of running a small business in Nigeria. While the reported ₦10 million monthly figure remains a claim made by the governor and should be understood in that context, his broader business history is well documented by the Akwa Ibom State Government. His story continues to generate discussion about how seemingly ordinary businesses can become significant ventures when they are properly managed and developed.