It was a surprising sight to behold a heavily pregnant woman, Mrs, Olayinka Adeyemo working as a tricycle (keke) rider in Lagos.
According to Storried, the first time you meet Mrs. Olayinka Adeyemo in her tricycle (keke), what quickly runs through your mind is, how does this woman cope in a business exclusively reserved for men by society? It is widely known that Lagos is known for rough drivers who break all traffic rules at will especially when ‘keke’ riders are added to the list.
However, Mrs Adeyemo has put aside all these, and has shown that what a man can do, a woman can do way better….actually not just a woman, but a pregnant woman! The pregnant keke woman made it known that she is a graduate and it was all in a bid to make ends meet and not stay idle that she took up the tricycle business. Read excerpts from the interview below:
Please madam, how did you get into this keke (tricycle) business?
“My brother, I’m a graduate, but rather than stay idle coupled with the responsibility of taking care of my young family, a friend of mine encouraged me to take-up this business. First, I got this tricycle through a hire-purchase arrangement from this friend, but now it’s mine because I’m done with paying up the cost of the tricycle.”
How does it feel operating in a man’s world?
I don’t feel any different. I’m working and the men are working too. The difference is that I get more considerations from bus-stop touts who milk us of our earnings because I’m a woman, and when they see my protruding tummy, they just let me be.
And your condition?
“I’m only pregnant. I’m not sick. Yes, I’m often tired, but this work is all I have to contribute to my family economy and meet my personal needs”.
And your husband?
“He‘s been very supportive and my children and family members know this is what I do for a living and they respect me for that”.
Are making a lot of money?
“I wouldn’t say a lot of money, but it’s better than staying idle, and waiting for my husband to do everything for me.”
Well, the next time you see Mrs. Adeyemo; it could be with her baby strapped to her back or at a corner of the motor-park breastfeeding her baby. What that means is that in today’s world, all the barriers have been broken. And women have no excuse!