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Name: Kieran Maduabuchukwu
State of Origin: Imo State
Dependants: Six children
Business: I had a thriving business selling fairly used clothes (Okirika) at Alaba Suru but, unfortunately, my shop was demolished last year because of a new road government was constructing then.
I got a job with La Casera Company at Isolo, but they sacked some of the staff due to the economic recession. Right now, I’m working as a security man in Full House Club.
How has business been? It’s tough. Rather than remain idle after searching for a better job, I took up this security job two months ago because I had no other option left. The salary is not much but it’s better than having nothing.
Effect of the recession: I’m seeing hell right now. I don’t know where to start from but it has been very hard. I don’t know how to explain it but feeding six children, paying their school fees and also paying house rent this period of recession has been very hard for me. I don’t know what to do.
Surviving strategy: We are surviving, living at the mercy of others. My church members and kind-hearted Nigerians have shown me love because of my children. Sometimes, they support me with food items and money but I don’t want to be dependent on others. I want to be able to provide for my family as a man.
School fees: Paying my children’s school fees was no problem when I was still dealing in ‘Okirika’ wears but, after my shop was demolished, I had to move them out of Delight Private School to a cheaper private school and, now, I cannot even pay the school fees.
Since school resumed, I have been trying to raise some money to pay their school fees, but those that usually rendered me help say there is no money. They said life is tough for them as well. The security job pays so little and I just started the work two months ago. I don’t want my children to be out of school for so long because education is very important, but my hands are tied.
House rent: This is one of my problems right now. My house rent will expire this month and I have no idea how or where the money to renew the rent would come from.
Challenge: Establish a thriving business that would enable me meet the basic needs of my family.
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
