From Graduate to Water Vendor: Umar Ishaku, HND holder in Yobe shares his journey of self-sufficiency by pushing a wheelbarrow

From Graduate to Water Vendor: Umar Ishaku, HND holder in Yobe shares his journey of self-sufficiency by pushing a wheelbarrow

Story from Kasim Isa Muhammad

Umar Ishaku, a graduate of Business Administration from the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, hails from Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe state. Despite completing his mandatory National Youth Service Corp(NYSC) in 2017, Umar found himself pushing a wheelbarrow, selling water.

In an exclusive interview with Neptune Prime, he shared the story of his unprecedented dedication to self-sufficiency.

NP: Can you tell us about yourself and what led you to push a wheelbarrow?

Umar: My name is Umar, and I am from Potiskum, since I was about 16 years old, I’ve been working hard to provide for myself and fund my education from a humble background. Unfortunately, I lost a fairly used keke napep to a fire recently. After that setback, I decided to start selling water in a wheelbarrow to support myself and my family.

NP: What intrigues you about pushing a wheelbarrow?

Umar: In this country, securing a government job is almost impossible, especially for common people like us. I refuse to stay idle; I want to do something that helps me and my family. I am earning something from this business, and even though some people see it as shameful for a graduate, I am proud of what I am doing.

NP: Have you ever engaged in any government job?

Umar: I benefited from the N-power program, but I’ve never worked directly for the government. I’m content with the little I am earning. Waiting for a government job is a waste of time, but I am hopeful that one day, I will find a job in line with my knowledge and qualifications.

NP: What challenges do you face in this business?

Umar: I don’t face many challenges, but some people mock me, saying it’s a bad business for a graduate. Despite that, I remain resilient. It’s better than doing nothing. Even when I was riding a keke-napep, people mocked me, saying education is useless as there are no jobs.

NP: What can you say to other graduates reluctant to engage in small-scale businesses?

Umar: Our youths, not just graduates, should understand that there is nothing good in staying idle. If you don’t work for yourself, you might end up begging or resorting to illegal activities. I encourage my fellow graduates to wake up and seek their paths.

NP: Would you accept a government job if offered now?

Umar: Certainly, I would be delighted to accept a job. It has always been my dream to contribute to society through meaningful employment.

Despite his current challenges, Umar has not given up on his dream of securing a government job. “It has always been my dream to contribute to society through meaningful employment,” he says. If given the opportunity, Umar is confident that he can make a positive impact.

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