I Grew Up With My Grandmother Who Was Selling Beans, When I Come Back From School, I Hawk Beans -Lemo

Dr. Tunde Lemo, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has recounted how he spent part of his childhood helping his grandmother earn a living by hawking beans after returning from school each day. He said growing up under his grandmother’s care exposed him to the realities of hard work and responsibility from an early age.

Speaking during an interview on The Legacy Series on Thursday, 23 July, 2026, Lemo reflected on his humble upbringing, explaining that he lived with his grandmother, who made a living selling beans. According to him, contributing to the family’s daily business became part of his routine as a young boy, teaching him the value of diligence and perseverance.

Recalling the experience, Lemo said, “I grew up in the house of my grandmother who was selling beans. So in the afternoon when I come back from school, I was hawking beans.”

The former CBN deputy governor said those early experiences played a significant role in shaping his character and work ethic. Despite the challenges associated with balancing school and helping with the family business, he remained committed to his education, believing that academic success would open the door to greater opportunities.

Lemo would later rise to become one of Nigeria’s leading financial experts, serving as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and contributing to key reforms in the country’s banking sector…….See More