Timothy Omobude 
Oghogho Lawrence, a Benin-based akara entrepreneur popularly known as Parisia, has appealed to the Edo State Government, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and well-meaning individuals to support her ambition to transform her family’s traditional bean-cake business into a recognised brand and empower other women.
Lawrence made the appeal in an interview with BusinessDay at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre in Benin City, where she showcased her Parisia Akara brand during activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of Oba Ewuare II.
She said she was determined to build a sustainable enterprise around a family recipe passed down through generations, expressing hope that financial and other forms of support would enable her to expand her operations beyond Benin and reach wider markets.
According to her, the business represents more than a source of livelihood, as it embodies a family legacy whose distinctive preparation methods and recipes have been preserved over the years.
“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 had a strong passion for the trade and was determined to build Parisia Akara into a recognised brand, adding that her ambition extended beyond personal success to creating opportunities for other women.
She appealed to the state government, the Oba of Benin and influential individuals to consider supporting her business, noting that assistance would help her realise her entrepreneurial ambitions and preserve the family tradition.
Lawrence also expressed her desire to train and empower women who share her passion for akara production, saying she hoped to help them establish themselves in the business without charging them for the opportunity.
“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 said she wanted to build a reputation through legitimate enterprise, stressing that her ambition was to be recognised for her entrepreneurial efforts and the quality of her products.
“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.
For Lawrence, expanding Parisia Akara would not only provide an opportunity to grow her business but also help preserve a family heritage while creating a pathway for other women seeking to become financially independent through small-scale enterprise.
She reiterated her appeal to the Edo State Government, the Oba of Benin and other potential supporters to help her develop the business into a sustainable brand capable of reaching wider markets and creating opportunities for more women.
