Name: Akiolu Abiodun
State of Origin: Ondo State
Dependants: wife and three children
Occupation: I’m a taxi driver. I have been in this cab business for over five years now.
Taxi business is a lucrative one but life has been pretty tough for my family since I had an accident with my car in August last year. Two months after the accident and unable to fix my car, I got this car. I remit N12, 000 on a weekly basis to the owner but most times, I can stay three days without making any money because it’s only when they car is parked in one place that people get to know it’s a taxi since it’s not painted yellow. For some days, I make up to N5, 000 but the bulk of that money goes to the owner of the cab. The little that is left is not even enough to feed my family because cost of living has tripled.
Profit: I make N5, 000 sometimes each day, but some days are so bad that I go home with nothing because, unlike my yellow cab, I have to pack this car and put the taxi sign on top of the car until a customer comes along. With my yellow cab, I made between N5, 000 and N8, 000. I get flagged down while on the move since everyone knew the car was a taxi.
School fees: Since August 2016, my children have not been to school because of my inability to pay their school fees. My wife sold food items at Ikotun but we have used all the money for feeding, so she’s not doing anything at the moment.
House rent: That one is even the biggest challenge. Even the landlord has been angry because our house rent has expired. We were given quit notice and that ends this month. The landlord has been coming around to tell us to leave her house but I have been packing my load to the church. My children would probably go back to the village and return when things get better.
Challenges: My biggest challenge now is feeding my family. To take care of my children and fix my car are my greatest worries.
If you want to contact the writer of this story call: +234(0) 803 889 1567, +234(0) 802 223 8495. chinwe.agbeze@businessdayonline.com
CHINWE AGBEZE
