‘Akpu’, as one of the cheapest foods in Nigeria, is also reportedly making house owners of women who venture into the business in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A recent survey in Abuja reveals that though akpu is associated with people from eastern part of the country, it is also a popular food consumed by other Nigerians.
Adanne Kalu, an akpu seller, said she has been in the business for the past 15 years and the business has taken her family out of poverty.
She said that anyone who has a good culture of saving can get something tangible out of the business.
Mrs Kalu added that she now has a house of her own because of the profit from the business. She said it is a business that young people can engage in for self-reliance and export.
“I started this business 15 years ago. Since then, my family don’t know anything like poverty. I started the business when my husband lost his job and I had to sustain the family.
“We built a house through this business, my children are also in school through this business because it is profitable.
“I make close to N5,000 to N10,000 daily when the market is good, while if the market is bad I make N2,000 to N3,000 daily. So, I have room to save something tangible on a weekly basis.
“I advise the youth to venture into the business. If they have the strength for it because it is difficult to make.”
Similarly, Rose Arinze in Dutse said that akpu business has really helped her family and the education of her children in various schools.
“Life is difficult but this akpu business is really helping me, as I use the money I make to send my children to school.
“The business also helped me to be a land lady, as I used my savings from the business to build my house. I also supply to some restaurants far and near and the patronage is really high.
“Only a few people produce good Akpu in Abuja and I’m one of them because I prepare it well,” she said.
