Akara Economics: Why Side Hustles Can’t Replace a National Prosperity Strategy
Nigeria’s economic narrative often turns to side hustles as the solution. Cooking akara, roasting corn and gardening have become symbols of resilience and enterprise. These activities showcase Nigerians’ creativity and hard work. But relying on these survival strategies can obscure a larger problem. We risk asking individuals to fill institutional gaps that only strong policies and infrastructure can address. The proposed National Prosperity Curriculum urges more recipes for empowerment at the grassroots. Yet real transformation demands investment in productivity, innovation and reliable systems. A nation’s ambition should go beyond survival. It should give citizens freedom to dream and pursue opportunities beyond the frying pan.
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