In Nigeria today, it is seen as a normal phenomenon to celebrate and sing praises of the high and mighty, especially the politicians whose stock in trade is to steal the common wealth of the masses and leave them dry.
Whenever anyone dares to complain, they dip their hands into the same coffers, bring out some stashed cash, buy a few irrelevant items, and hand them over to the same suffering masses as empowerment items.
The recipients would then go haywire and sing their praises to high heaven, not knowing or caring to know that the money politicians used in purchasing the items is theirs in the first place.
We often forget that the real heroes who should be celebrated are the so-called ordinary people in the streets: the petty traders who go under the rain and sun to eke out a living; the Keke drivers, the okada riders, the roadside hawkers, the artisans, the street sweepers, the market load carriers, the rock crushers, etc.
Taking the time to celebrate the everyday hustle of local entrepreneurs while extolling their willpower and resilience in the face of adversity is a culture we all should imbibe.
No day is too small to start by celebrating the ones who show up, set up, and make our lives much easier because their dedication is unmatched and second to none.
Supporting these people isn’t just a transaction; it’s investing in a dream and feeding a family. They are the heartbeat of our local economy. They are the lubricants that oil and service our everyday existence.
Every time you buy from a small vendor, someone does a happy dance. Day in, day out, rain or shine, the work ethic of a market trader deserves all the respect. When you support local, you support a dream.
Today, we celebrate Mama Obi, a vegetable seller at the popular Jos Terminus Market who has been in the business of serving customers for more than two decades.
Prince Ogbonna tells the story of Mama Obi in this interesting article.
“This is Mama Obi, as she is popularly known. She’s a major vegetable dealer in Jos Terminus Market in Jos. If you’re looking for Ugwu, Oha, Water Leaves, Uziza, Palm Fruits, Cocoyam for soup, etc, she’s the depot. I bet you can’t get it cheaper elsewhere. She’s located behind the Onigbinde stores.
‘I’ve known her since I was much younger. Her prices are the most affordable in the market. I bet you, what you’ll buy from her for 500 Naira will be sold elsewhere for 1k.
“Her love for the market has made her resist every ploy by her kids to lure her out of Jos.
“When I was in school, Mama Obi and I were like mother and son. I’ll come to her when I have cash, and when I was broke. She’ll give me everything I need until my next pocket money arrives.
“As a widow, this is the business that sustained her and her children, who are all graduates and thriving in different parts of the country.
On this Thursday, let’s appreciate this tireless mother who works around the clock to ensure we have affordable ingredients to make our meals. You can reach her on 08061763558.”
Faith Ajik, who commented under Prince Ogbonna’s post, wrote this:
“Hmmm, mummy, mummy, so true. She was seriously affected during the last Angwa Rukuba attack. She stocked up fresh veggies on Saturday, arrived late from the village market, hoping to sell them on Monday, the attack happened on a Sunday, and curfew followed afterwards.
“Mama lost all her veggies. Since then, Mama has been gradually picking up. Trusting God to restore her business fully.”