An accounting graduate of University of Calabar, Gloria Onyemachi Daniels shares her experience jostling for a living in the male-dominated commercial tricycle business in the ever busy Lagos roads with Chioma Ukor.
What led you into commercial tricycle riding?
First, I studied Accounting at the University of Calabar and graduated in 2001. However, I applied repeatedly for a job in companies and government parastatals to no avail. The painful part for me was the question of ‘who brought you?’ which they always asked each time I inquired about the outcome of the interviews. So when a job was not forthcoming, I decided to engage in selling pure water, sim-cards and phones under Iyana-Isolo Bridge. However, things weren’t too good because the profit I made could barely take care of my children’s school fees and other important needs. So one fateful day, my Pastor encouraged me to go into commercial tricycle ‘Keke’ business, if I didn’t mind.
How were you able to purchase the tricycle?
At the time he (Pastor) mooted the idea, I had no money to purchase one, so he purchased the Keke for me as a “balance and take”. We agreed that I would pay it up within a year, so I signed to remit N12,500 weekly till it completes N425,000. That was in October 2015. Luckily, I was able to meet up the agreement and today I am the proud owner of this Keke.
How long did it take you to perfect riding the tricycle?
It took me just a week; and that was because I’d been to a driving school before that time. That helped me to understand the road signs, the regulatory as well as mandatory signs.
How much are you able to make daily?
(Laughs) Before now I made between six and nine thousand naira daily. It varies; sometimes, the frustrating Lagos hold-up could make some people prefer to use their “Legedis-Benz” (trek). But since this period of hardship set in, it has been very difficult to make N5000 daily.
When and where do you operate?
When I first started, I worked between 6:00am to 9:00pm to make sure I completed the purchase money on schedule. It wasn’t an easy task but I thank God for everything. However, now that I have completed the payment, I work between 6:00am to 5:00pm at most.
My route remains “Jakande Gate” to “Ago roundabout” axis in Isolo. I only go to other locations based on charter, which pays more than the normal routine.
What are the challenges you’ve encountered on the job?
(Laughs) I have had issues with the Police a number of times. There was this particular day I was arrested and the policeman deflated my tires. Fortunately, when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) got to know about it, he got offended and thoroughly scolded the junior officer. “How could you arrest a woman trying to put food on her table? Can your wife struggle like this? How would you feel if tables were turned?” Do you know that after that incident I literally became free, as they no longer bother me. On my part, I try to obey all rules, because I find it embarrassing begging officers when I have flouted the rules. Sometimes, you spend all you have worked for in a day on some avoidable accident or collision. So, I try to avoid all those.
How do you cope with male riders, passengers and other road users as well as the ticket boys?
As a matter of fact, I don’t see myself as different from other commercial drivers. I have my goals, and like the men, I hustle for passengers. Interestingly, most passengers prefer me because they believe women are more cautious.”
One funny and common thing I hear men say is “Leave am make she dey go, na woman she be.” As for the ticket boys, I pay N500 daily for ticket.
As a single mother, what have been your achievements since you started the job?
My greatest achievement so far is being able to see my children through tertiary institution. There is one thing I have learnt in life which is determination. Once you are determined to make it in life, you will. And in doing that, you earn yourself respect. It is not easy paying school fees for two people in higher institution without help from family. However, I remain grateful to God for how strong I have become.
My greatest joy is being a grandmother of two at 47. I smile each time I remember that I am a grandmother.
Talking of achievement, I have also been able to put two women and a man into this transportation business. One of the women is almost through with paying up the instalments for her Keke. It is better to teach someone how to fish than to be giving them fish every day.
Do you have a retirement plan from this job?
I had set goals, one of which has been achieved, which was to make sure my children went to the university.
The second is to raise enough money to open a shop to sell daily products, which would fetch me reasonable amount of money to sustain my needs.
Are you still open to relationship?
Yes, but I am not desperate to get married and would not be taken for a fool. That’s why I chose to hustle. I already have two children, so what am I looking for? But if a responsible God-fearing man comes my way, I’m ready to sail the ship.
What’s your advice to people out there?
My slogan is ‘Every woman must work.’ To all single mothers: at all time, be a good example to your children. Stand on your feet and make sure your children get the best in life. You can start a business with as little as N10,000 to N20,000. Never be a liability to yourself and society.
To the youths, I say, learn one skill or the other because even as a graduate, you will need it one day. No skill is a waste.
Source: The Nation
