By Femi Oyelola
The saying that “What a man can do, a woman can do better” is being given a practical expression by Jumoke Hamza. This woman is daily making good income from riding commercial tricycle popularly known as “Keke Napep.” She has demystified the general impression that this business known to be dominated by the male gender is exclusive to them.
Jumoke Hamza was inspired to take up riding a tricycle in Kaduna to make daily earnings to sort out her everyday bills. She has testified that things have turned out to be better than before for her since when she ventured into that area of human endeavour. According to her, she has been in the business of Keke NAPEP riding for almost two years now.
Jumoke, who studied Economics and Cooperative Management from the Federal Cooperative College in Kaduna, said she has kids to take care of and, most importantly, her health challenges was demanding regualar financial attention..
“I was a cancer patient. They had to cut off my breast. So, I need to take drugs.
“I can’t depend on anybody because everyone has their problems.
“So, I ride a tricycle (Keke Napep) to help sustain my life to buy my drugs and take care of my children.
The Tricycle she used for business is not even her own, so she has to make daily remittances to the owner.
A mother of five children, Jumoke disclosed that her husband left her while battling with cancer to struggle all alone. But she was determined not to be a liability. “Even my children know that I don’t like being a liability, depending on others to survive.
“That was why I gave driving a commercial tricycle a trial. Although while learning how to drive, as a woman, I felt fear, as time went on, I was able to overcome it,” she noted.
Speaking on her relationship with other Keke riders as a woman, Jumoke explained that her colleagues were always ready to assist her whenever she encountered any problem.
“There was a time I had a problem with my tyre, and one guy stopped and assisted me. Another time I ran out of petrol, one of them went to a nearby filling station and got it for me and he did not even wait to collect his money back.
“And from the passengers and passers-by, I receive cash gifts from them.
“I thank God there hasn’t been any embarrassment. Instead of embarrassment, they always appreciate me.
“The majority of them pray for me for safety and progress in the business. They even motivate me to do more.”
The mother of five children told Weekend Peoples Daily that she is always security conscious and doesn’t have problems with Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority or any other security Agencies.
Jumoke Hamza however appealed for support from the government and individuals with the means to help her to purchase her own tricycle.
She also urged more women to join the business, because it is not meant for men only. “Women can also do it. Women are our major passengers; they can also be comfortable if they know the drivers are their counterparts.
“I am ready to coach any interested woman in the business.
“I am using this opportunity to call on my fellow women to come out and be self-reliant. You know these days life is becoming difficult for people, we need to support our family. If women become self-reliant, the issue of failing marriages would be reduced.
“I want to see more women in the business, because it is not meant for men only. Women can also do it. Women are our major passengers; they can also be comfortable if they know the drivers are their counterparts. I am ready to coach any interested woman in the business,” she said.
Apart from fear factors, Jumoke explained how she was able to overlook the prejudice that emanated from people having seen her drive a tricycle.
The story of the cancer patient now turns Tricycle rider is encouraging, especially to women, because in her words, “ So far it has been a good endeavour and I do not have any major challenge.
“It even make me forget about my health challenges because if not, I told you when I picked you up, you can now that one of my breasts has been cut off because of cancer, and I am still on drugs.”
Cruising from Kakuri through busy Ahmadu Bello way to Kawo park, Jumoke Hamza carries more than just passengers; she relates a message of hope, resilience, and empowerment for other women in her shoes to emulate.
