AKARA, KULIKULI AND POLITICS OF EMPOWERMENT

In a unique blend of culture, entrepreneurship, and politics, a group of women in Oyo State have turned the production of akara (bean cakes) and kulikuli (peanut snacks) into a powerful tool for economic empowerment and political mobilisation.

The “Akara and Kulikuli Women Initiative,” launched on Friday in Ibadan, aims to support thousands of women in the informal sector by providing training, soft loans, and market access for their products. The project is being championed by a coalition of female politicians and entrepreneurs who see the local snacks as symbols of resilience and self-reliance.

Convener of the initiative, Mrs. Funke Olayinka, said the programme goes beyond selling snacks. “Akara and kulikuli are more than food; they represent the hustle and ingenuity of Nigerian women. This initiative is about empowering women economically so they can participate actively in politics and decision-making,” Olayinka stated.

Participants are trained in hygiene, packaging, branding, and business management, with many already recording impressive sales through cooperative societies and online platforms. The project also includes a political education component, encouraging women to use their economic independence to engage in governance and advocate for policies that benefit them.

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Bayo Lawal, who declared the programme open, commended the women for their vision. “This is the kind of grassroots empowerment we need. When women are economically strong, they become politically influential. The state government will continue to support such initiatives,” Lawal said.

The programme has received support from several non-governmental organisations and financial institutions, who have pledged micro-credit facilities and mentorship for the women.

Stakeholders believe the initiative could serve as a model for other states, demonstrating how local products and traditional skills can be leveraged for economic and political empowerment. As the 2027 elections approach, the women involved in the project are expected to play more active roles in shaping political outcomes in their communities.