A Benin City-based akara entrepreneur, Oghogho Lawrence, popularly known as Parisia, has appealed to the Edo State Government, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and well-meaning Nigerians to support her ambition to transform her family’s traditional bean cake business into a recognised brand while empowering women.
Lawrence made the appeal in an interview at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, Benin City, where she showcased her Parisia Akara brand as part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of Oba Ewuare II.
She said her vision was to take the family business beyond Benin, expand its reach and create opportunities for women interested in akara production.
Lawrence explained that the business was a family inheritance passed down through generations, with its original recipe and distinctive seasoning methods carefully preserved.
“This is an inherited business. I inherited it from my great-great-grandmother. If I am not mistaken, my generation would be the third to inherit the business in my lineage.
“The way we spice our akara and prepare it remains the recipe of my mother and great-grandmother. We have not changed anything,” she said.
The entrepreneur said she was determined to build Parisia Akara into a recognised brand, but noted that financial assistance and other forms of support would help her expand production, reach new markets and establish a sustainable enterprise.
Beyond growing her business, Lawrence said she wanted to train and empower other women who were passionate about akara production, enabling them to develop their skills and become financially independent.
She stressed that she was willing to offer such training free of charge to women genuinely interested in the trade.
“I would like to be empowered in many ways, and I would also like to empower ladies who have a genuine passion for this business. I want to do that for free,” she said.
The single mother added that she wanted to build a name for herself through legitimate enterprise, using her business to inspire other women to pursue productive ventures.
“I want to go far and near. I want to be well known, not for prostitution, stealing, cheating or scamming, but for my akara business,” she said.
Lawrence therefore called on the Edo State Government, Oba Ewuare II and individuals with the capacity to support small businesses to invest in her vision, expressing confidence that the right assistance would help turn Parisia Akara into a thriving brand.
She said expanding the business would not only preserve her family’s culinary heritage but also create opportunities for women seeking sustainable livelihoods through small-scale entrepreneurship.
