‘Low patronage affects my umbrella repair trade’
Ibrahim Suleiman, 24, is a mobile umbrella repairer. met him in Wumba, Apo District where he said the refusal of some residents not to repair their damaged umbrellas fetch him N1, 000 after walking to four communities.
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ow did you end up in this trade?
I never thought I will be in this trade because I planned to be a medical doctor but I was forced out of school due to lack of fund. This is the only trade I learn and I started doing it to raise money. I have been doing it for four years now and I hope to raise enough money to further my education.
How much do make daily?
depends on the season and the number of communities I cover. For instance, yesterday I trekked to four communities and it is not wet season that the trade booms, so I made N2, 000. I share the money equally with my partner, so I ended up with N1, 000.
How will this amount help you further your course?
In some cases I earn more than that especially during the rainy season because I can trek to more communities, the sun is not hot and umbrellas get spoilt faster. So I keep some amount with a thrift society and with the grace of God I will get there.
Do people still umbrella compared years back? repair with
People now prefer to throw their umbrellas away instead of repairing them and it affects me because I can only benefit from their decision to mend it. So my prominent customers are those that use giant umbrellas for their businesses. Those that sell recharge cards, roasted yam and other things. Patronage has reduced, I must confess.