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A married Nigerian graduate who is surviving the country’s harsh
economy by operating Keke Napep for a living has shared story of her
survival in the business.
A female operator of a commercial tricycle popularly called ‘Keke
NAPEP’, Mrs. Christiana Augustine, says it is no longer an exclusive
preserve of men to make a living from operating a tricycle.
Augustine, who holds a degree in project management from the Federal
University of Science and Technology Owerri, said on Tuesday in
Abakaliki that her desire to become self-reliant was her motivation.
The mother of three called on other women to embrace the business,
saying they could also make their own contributions towards their
families’ upkeep by embarking on it.
According to her, women only need self-confidence, discipline and
zeal to work hard to make their mark in the society as tricycle
operators.
“My husband initially objected my involvement in the venture but I
persisted to be given a chance to engage in the venture and he was later
convinced.
“We
are presently happy with the decision because I compliment his earnings
and generally support in the family upkeep with proceeds from the keke
business,” she said.
She said the involvement of many more women in the venture was only a
matter of time, expressing her resolve to promote the lucrativeness of
the venture to women.
Augustine pointed out that “gone was the era of relying on men for
their basic requirements and getting white collar jobs on a platter of
gold.
“I graduated with a degree in project management from the Federal
University of Science and Technology Owerri but decided to engage in the
business to be self-reliant.
“The tricycle was actually a birthday gift from my husband and I
offered it to a young graduate for commercial purposes but he later
returned it to me.
“I leased it to another person and when he became insincere with
returns, I decided to use it myself for the Keke business,” she said.
Augustine
explained that she does not operate the tricycle during odd hours no
matter the situation or the number of passengers available on the road.
“My business does not affect my responsibilities towards my family as
I plan my daily activities not to clash with those of my business,” she
said.
A regular commuter, Ms Ifeoma Ojigwe, commended Augustine’s
initiative and zeal to eke out a living in the sector in view of the
high rate of unemployment in the country.
“I will consider toeing this line if I don’t get employment after my National Youth Service 2018,” she said.
Another operator, Mr. Abel Ijeaku, said he was impressed with
Augustine’s attitude of being self-reliant, expressing his support for
her move to attract many more women into the business.
“We also ensure that she is not intimidated by unscrupulous males in
the business as her involvement in the venture automatically makes her
one of us,” he said.
-NAN