“‘Go Sell for the Chairman?’ — Nigerians React as Winnie Miller Returns to Farming After School Protest.”
By Passman Akpos
In a surprising turn of events, Winnie Miller, the young woman who recently sparked public debate over the deteriorating condition of Community Secondary School Odiokwu, has shifted attention from activism to agriculture as she calls on the public to buy sweet potatoes harvested from her farm.
Miller, who had earlier accused local authorities of intimidation after she raised concerns about the poor state of the community school, took to social media again—this time not to protest, but to promote her farming business.
“Hello everyone please come and buy sweet potato from me,” she wrote in a public message. “My potato in the farm is ready for harvest. I need off takers, bulk purchase, family use etc. Please send me a DM and use ‘potato purchase’ so I can reply ASAP.”
The post quickly attracted mixed reactions from supporters and observers across Ahoada West Local Government Area and beyond. Many praised her resilience, noting that instead of engaging in controversial activities such as “hook-ups,” she has chosen farming as a means of livelihood.
“Continue to shine my dear. Your hustle must pay because you refused to join hook-up and chose this path,” one supporter commented.
Others advised caution given the tension surrounding her earlier allegations involving the local council leadership. One concerned resident warned, “Be careful not to be abducted due to the recent developments regarding the school.”
The controversy surrounding Miller began weeks ago when she published emotional posts highlighting the alarming conditions at Community Secondary School Odiokwu. She described leaking roofs, insufficient teachers, lack of chairs, and overcrowded classrooms affecting students from several communities including Awanugbokor, Oyigba, Ihuachi, and Ubeta.
In her earlier appeals, she called on the Executive Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Eugene Chita Epelle, to urgently intervene and rehabilitate the school.
Despite the controversy, her latest venture into potato farming has also sparked curiosity, with some residents expressing surprise that sweet potatoes could be cultivated successfully in parts of Rivers State.
“You mean we can farm potatoes here and harvest this much? Wow, congratulations,” another supporter wrote.
Others hailed the move as a potential inspiration for youths in the Ekpeye area to diversify beyond cassava farming.
For now, Winnie Miller appears determined to focus on both her advocacy and entrepreneurship, turning what many see as a moment of pressure into an opportunity to promote agriculture and self-reliance in the community. 🌾🥔
