By Achadu Gabriel, kaduna
As the economic situation in the country deteriorated, more and more Nigerian families including a 48-years old graduate of Nuhu Bamali polytechnic, Zaria has falling into the categories of the extremely poverty line and now begins to beg to feed his family.
A graduate of marketing 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 reside at Kajuru street, number 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 himilty.
On while is he in this kinds of situation. Okpokpo, hail and healthy who was met begging in beer parlour, explained “I think is because of the situation in the country. No employments, and when it’s available, they select people.
“They’ll tell you go and come back till your 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’ll help; support us with fund like grant to do buying and selling. I can sell in fuel in black market and engine oil”, he suggested.
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 lots 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”, he stated, adding that Governor Uba Sani can also rivive and facilities opening of textiles industry to help create jobs 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 call Paladin before they folded up and the Taiwan owners went to their country maybe because of bad market. If I’ve opportunity I’ll learn skill”, he stated.
Okpokpo used the opportunity to call on Government to try 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 thrives.
