“Cooperate Alakara” as Jide Awobona Launches Akara Business, Colleagues React
Nollywood actor Jide Awobona has become the latest entertainer to venture into the akara business, joining the growing list of celebrities exploring small businesses.
The actor announced his new hustle in a video shared on his Instagram page, where he was seen preparing fresh akara. Alongside the clip, he informed fans that he is available to cater for different occasions and even offer tutoring services.
Awobona stated that he is ready to travel for events including weddings, naming ceremonies, burial ceremonies, remembrance gatherings and private celebrations. He added that tutoring is also part of the services he now provides, proudly declaring that “Jide Alakara” is fully open for business.
His announcement quickly caught the attention of friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry, who flooded his comment section with humorous reactions.
Rachael Adelaja playfully renamed him “Cooperate Alakara,” while Rotimi Salami jokingly urged him to open another branch in Ajangbadi. Yetunde Barnabas reacted with surprise, asking what was happening, while Olayinka Solomon teased that he had finally listened to “our mother.” Actress Mo Bimpe also joined in with a lighthearted comment.
The recent interest in small businesses among celebrities comes after Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, encouraged Nigerians facing economic challenges to consider ventures such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli kuli. Speaking with State House correspondents, she explained that these businesses require only a small amount of capital to get started.
Actress Nkechi Blessing recently embraced the advice by launching her own akara and roasted corn business. She promoted the venture with a flyer on social media and jokingly appealed to Nigerians to support her business so hunger would not affect her family.
Awobona had earlier hinted at taking a similar path after reacting to the expensive aso ebi package for the wedding of popular TikTok couple Peller and Jarvis. At the time, he joked that he might have no choice but to start selling akara and kuli kuli to afford the celebration.
The actor has also made headlines in recent months for several personal experiences. A few weeks ago, he left many of his followers worried after posting an emotional video of himself sitting in his car while listening to a sorrowful song.
He later addressed the criticism that followed his comments about insecurity in Nigeria. Awobona appealed to Nigerians not to direct their anger toward fellow citizens, revealing that his post attracted more than one million reactions, including messages from people who wished he would personally become a victim of the country’s security challenges.
The Nollywood star also defended pregnant women who were being unfairly compared with Temi Otedola. He reminded social media users that every pregnancy is different and that no two women experience the journey in the same way.
Earlier this year, Awobona expressed his frustration after losing both his iPhone and Samsung phone during the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Sharing his disappointment online, he said the incident taught him never to ignore his instincts. Despite the loss, he remained grateful that he was safe and thanked everyone who reached out to check on him.
On another occasion, the actor celebrated overcoming one of his greatest fears. Sharing photos from a hospital bed, Awobona admitted the experience was challenging but expressed happiness that he found the courage to face it.
