by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
As the economic situation in the country deteriorates, more and more Nigerian families, including a 48-years old graduate of Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, in Zaria, has fallen into the categories of the “extremely poverty” line and now begins to beg to feed his family.
A graduate of marketing at Nuhu Bamali Poly, who gave his name as Okpokpo Samuel, said all the places he was working have closed down for one reasons or the other, majorly attributed to the tough investment climate in Nigeria.
Okpokpo, who resides at Kajuru Street, No.12, behind OGB Club in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, told our reporter in on-spot-interview that he was born and brought up in Kaduna State but has lost his both parents.
He, however, blamed his current tough condition on the failed outing where he went for a day labourer’s job he was promised and met the place empty.
“I went for labourer job this morning. There was no work till tomorrow because there’s no casting. So, I came back empty-handed. So, I’m only asking and begging for what one can survive with it this night with my family because by tomorrow I’m hopeful that things will work.
I’m 48 years old; I was working in Abuja, Qwari, where they produce all these marbles like ties. Since the work stopped, I have been managing just to survive. I came back to Kaduna in January this year. I’m married with two kids,” he said with, humility.
On while is he in this kind of situation, Okpokpo, hail and healthy, who was met begging in a beer parlour, explained thus: “I think it’s because of the situation in the country. No employments; and when it’s available, they select people.
“They will tell you, “Go and come back,” till you are tired. I went to Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic Zaria and studied marketing at diploma level. I am from Obudu, Cross River State.
“Government can assist us by reviving countries’ industries, especially textiles industry; it will help; support us with funds like grants to do buying-and-selling. I can sell fuel in black market and engine oil,” he suggested.
While suspected him to be among those phone snatchers of “Black Street” hidden under the guise of begging, Okpokpo stated that, “I know the Black Street where bad boys are around all time. I try as much as possible to avoid going there.
“I hear a lot of bad things about the place. Even, if I’m going to Collage Road, I try to avoid passing through “Black Street,” not to fall victim of their attacks. I don’t have confidence passing that place, despite security presence,” he stressed.
Speaking further on his upbringing, he said, “I was born in Kaduna. Both my parents are late. Governor Uba Sani can also revive facilities – opening of textiles industries to help create job opportunities.
“I don’t have any handwork aside the school I went. I also work for a Supplement Company, called “Nature,” in Abuja, a Bakery Company, called “Paladin” before they folded up and the Taiwan owners went to their country maybe, because of bad market. If I have opportunity, I will learn skill,” he stated.
Okpokpo seized the opportunity to call on government to try to beef-up security at “Black Street,” saying, “The issue of security is very important to deal with it by the authority for free movement and investment to thrive.”