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Name: Odochi Emeka
Origin: Abia State
Dependants: Five Children
Business: I used to sell foodstuffs around Mile 2. The business folded up in November 2016 and I didn’t have the money to continue. My husband who would have assisted is dead.
Now, I cut grass for those that need the services of a labourer. I also fetch water for workers at a new building site around my vicinity anytime they need water to work.
On a good day, I make between N1,000 and N1,500 fetching water and N2,000 cutting grass but these jobs don’t come often.
School fees: My children are not in school because there is no money to pay their school fees. My second daughter who is in SS3 won’t take WAEC this month and my first son in JSS3 won’t take his examinations as well because of money. My last two children in primary three and one go to school once in a while. I give their teachers small money whenever I have to let them learn and when I don’t have to give them, they stay at home.
House rent: My husband was building a house but couldn’t finish it before he died. We live in the uncompleted building now so we are not worried about house rent because we have our own place.
Impact of recession: Last year, life was better for us but it’s getting worse by the day. At least last year, my children could go to school and I had a business to go to but now, I have nothing.
Challenges: I want my children to go back to school. It’s painful watching them cry because other children are in school and they aren’t. I also want to go back to my business so I can take good care of my children again.
CHINWE AGBEZE
