Temitope Aladesanwa, 38, a 2014 graduate of Political Science from the College of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, tells DANIEL AYANTOYE how a 2023 report by Saturday PUNCH titled: 'Graduate Job Seekers Struggle Age Limitations, Change into Okada Riders , ' gave him, his spouse and two youngsters a brand new life
For How lengthy have you ever been an okada rider?
I’m from Ondo State. I graduated in 2014 with a second-class decrease diploma. I had that as a result of I used to be having a tough time finding out; Throughout my research I labored as a caterer. After graduating, I went for the necessary nationwide youth service. After the service I began searching for a job. However like I stated, it was very tough for me to discover a job. Most jobs required 5 or ten years of expertise. How can a latest graduate have that? After some time I began having age points as a result of on the time I graduated I used to be 30 years previous however most corporations requested for a decrease age.
Why did you select Okada using?
There was no different choice. I’ve to feed myself and my household. I can't steal. The one factor I may get my palms on was the okada. So I went for it. There wasn't a lot apart from offering one thing to eat and that was it. Once I left college I couldn't proceed with catering both as a result of once I was at college I received a number of jobs from individuals and once I left I couldn't get a lot and duties got here with it. about eight years earlier than my story modified.
It was very tough for me, particularly due to my age. It took a while to get accepted into faculty and by the point I graduated I used to be already thirty. Some corporations additionally requested for six years of labor expertise. And I had not too long ago graduated, which was an automated disqualification.
You stated earlier that you simply have been making use of for jobs in safety businesses. Why weren't you taken?
Sure, I’ve utilized to the Nigeria Safety and Civil Protection Corps, the (Nigeria) Immigration Service and the Nigerian Police Drive. I needed to use for the immigration job in 2022 however I couldn't as a result of they’d an age restrict and I used to be a lot older than what they requested regardless that I knew I used to be appropriate for the job. I didn't need to waste my time making use of once more.
You stated it was painful being a graduated okada rider. How was the expertise?
It was painful. How can somebody spend some huge cash on training and find yourself doing okada work? It's not an excellent expertise. I graduated with a level in political science and obtained this diploma with the expectation that I’d be capable to present a greater life for myself and my household. However what has the nation turned me into? An okada rider. So it should positively be painful? The okada observe just isn’t simple in any respect. In addition to the stress and the truth that I needed to stroll round within the solar all day, individuals insulted me and used swear phrases. I used to be already bored with work. It was God who introduced you (PUNCH Newspaper) on the proper time to interview me final 12 months.
What was your loved ones's response while you began using an okada for a residing?
They felt unhealthy. Who not? How can anybody go to school and graduate when the subsequent job is to journey an okada rider? It’s a worrying scenario. At one level they advised me to cease the okada, however there was nothing they may do, so I went and purchased one other bike.
What occurred after the PUNCH report was printed?
It was a turnaround story for me. Sure, I haven't gotten to the place I need to be but, however I'm higher off the place I got here from. While you got here to interview me, I didn't assume it was something severe. I believed it was simply regular speak that wouldn't get you anyplace. I’ve solely spoken from the boldness I’ve as a Political Science scholar. However when the publication got here out, everybody noticed it on the crossroads the place I’m recognized. Some insulted me and advised me I ought to begin utilizing the newspaper to boost {dollars} from the president. I ignored them and continued with my work. I additionally purchased the newspaper (Saturday PUNCH) and took it house. At first my spouse was livid and requested if I used to be so happy with the work that I ought to exit and publish myself in a newspaper and in addition put my image on the entrance web page. However we settled that later.
How did you change into a automotive proprietor?
I’ve at all times been focused on shopping for a automotive, however there is no such thing as a cash. Each time I make an effort to avoid wasting cash, I spend it on one thing else. I sincerely admire God and admire that you simply got here on the proper time as a result of after I used to be printed in your newspaper, individuals began calling me. My spouse additionally shared the story along with her household and I did the identical. Folks got here to my assist; they supported me with cash. One among my pals in Lagos then helped me course of a Corolla Camry, and in June (2023) I purchased it. It was superb how all the pieces modified. I presently use it for journey sharing. Like I stated, I'm searching for higher alternatives and a greater job, however I’ve a greater life now than once I was using an okada.
What do you imply while you say you might have a greater life now?
Regardless that I don't have a lot cash, there are not any extra insults, and there may be extra dignity and respect on this job (as a rideshare driver) than once I rode an okada. Once I park someplace, individuals speak to me with respect, not like once I parked my okada and a few individuals nearly took me for a thief. There was a time once I visited Okada junction they usually noticed me with the automotive. They already knew I used to be shopping for a automotive, however they have been shocked. Somebody even stated I used to be doing a cash ritual, however I simply laughed.
What are your ambitions now?
I do know many individuals like 'japa' now. If I get an opportunity, I’ll ('japa'). Presently, probably the most pressing ambition for me is to determine a major college and a secondary college.
You regretted that you’re unable to get a authorities job because of the age restrict. What would you like the federal government to do about this downside, which additionally impacts many unemployed younger individuals?
They need to put an finish to the age restrict in each non-public and public establishments. There are people who find themselves older than the required age however are certified and appropriate for the job. Candidates shouldn’t be judged on their age; if not, we are going to proceed to extend the unemployment price. Contemplating the difficulties in gaining admission into Nigerian universities and the one-year nationwide service, many individuals would have crossed the age restrict earlier than lastly getting into the job market. What do you anticipate them to do? I implore the federal government and all stakeholders to look into this difficulty as a result of there are a lot of okada riders who’ve graduated.
