Story by Aisha Waziri Kidaji (Student at University of Maiduguri, Borno State)

At 75, Mama Hajja remains an enthusiastic roadside trader who firmly believes that honesty, dedication, and hard work are essential ingredients for a peaceful and modest life. Living in Maiduguri, Borno State, a region that has endured years of insurgency and insecurity, she has remained steadfast in her values despite immense hardship, security challenges, and the many difficulties that accompany them.

In this insightful and reflective interview with Neptune Prime’s Aisha Waziri Kidaji, Mama Hajja recounts how being denied education because she was a girl affected her life but didn’t destroy her zeal to make an honest living and her appreciation for the transformative power of learning. She also shares stories from her past, discusses the challenges she faces today, and reveals the resilience and determination that continue to keep her going through life’s storms.

Neptune Prime: Good afternoon, Mama Hajja. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today.

Mama Hajja: Good afternoon, my daughter. You are welcome. I am happy to talk with you.

Neptune Prime: Please tell us about yourself.

Mama Hajja: My name is Mama Hajja. I am 75 years old and I was born and raised in Maiduguri. I never went to school because, during my childhood, most girls in our community stayed at home to help their parents. I grew up learning household work and small trading from my mother. I got married at a young age and spent most of my life raising my children and supporting my family.

Today, I sit by the roadside with a small tray containing groundnuts, pepper, and aluwan kuka. It is not a big business. I only sell a few items every day to earn a little money for my personal needs.

Neptune Prime: Many people your age are retired and staying at home. Why do you still sell by the roadside?

Mama Hajja: (Laughs) If I stay at home all day, I will become tired and bored. Selling has become part of my life. Although my children help me, I like to earn something for myself. The little business also gives me a chance to meet people and keep myself active.

Neptune Prime: Tell us more about your business.

Mama Hajja: It is a very small business. Every morning, I arrange a few groundnuts, pepper, and aluwan kuka on a tray and sit by the roadside. Some days I sell many items, and some days I sell only a few. The profit is not much, but I thank Allah for whatever I get because every little amount helps.

Neptune Prime: What was Maiduguri like when you were a child?

Mama Hajja: Maiduguri was very different. There were fewer people and less traffic. People knew their neighbours and respected one another. If a child misbehaved, any elder could correct that child. Families shared what they had, and there was a strong sense of community.

Neptune Prime: What challenges did you face growing up?

Mama Hajja: Poverty was one challenge. My parents worked hard, but money was not always available. Sometimes we had to manage with very little. Another challenge was that girls were not encouraged to go to school. Most of us stayed at home to help our parents and prepare for marriage.

Neptune Prime: Do you wish you had gone to school?

Mama Hajja: Yes, I do. There are times when I wish I could read and write properly. Education would have made many things easier for me. That is why I always encouraged my children and grandchildren to attend school.

Neptune Prime: How do you feel when you see young girls going to school today?

Mama Hajja: It makes me happy. When I see girls carrying books and wearing school uniforms, I feel proud. Education gives people opportunities and helps them build a better future.

Neptune Prime: How was the economy when you were younger?

Mama Hajja: Things were much cheaper. Even if people did not have plenty of money, they could still buy food and take care of their families. A small amount of money could buy many things in the market.

Neptune Prime: What do you think about the economy today?

Mama Hajja: Life is much harder now. Food is expensive, transport is expensive, and almost everything costs more than before. Many people are struggling to meet their daily needs.

Neptune Prime: How has the economy affected your business?

Mama Hajja: It has affected me a lot. The groundnuts, pepper, and aluwan kuka that I buy are more expensive now. Because I sell only small quantities on a tray, my profit is very small. Sometimes I sit for hours before making enough money to buy what I need. Customers also complain because they cannot afford to buy as much as they used to.

Neptune Prime: How was security in Maiduguri during your younger years?

Mama Hajja: It was peaceful. We could travel freely, visit relatives, and stay outside in the evenings without fear. Children played in the streets, and people felt safe.

Neptune Prime: What changes have you witnessed over the years?

Mama Hajja: We have experienced difficult times in Borno State because of insecurity. Many families suffered. Some lost their homes, businesses, and loved ones. There was a lot of fear. Things are better now than they were some years ago, but people are still more careful than before.

Neptune Prime: What do you think can help improve security further?

Mama Hajja: Young people should be given opportunities to work and build their lives. Communities should cooperate with security agencies, and everyone should pray for peace.

Neptune Prime: What lessons has life taught you?

Mama Hajja: Life has taught me patience and gratitude. No matter how difficult things become, you should never lose hope. Hard work and prayer can help you overcome many challenges.

Neptune Prime: What do you enjoy doing when you are not selling?

Mama Hajja: I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, visiting neighbours, and chatting with friends.

Neptune Prime: We heard you enjoy listening to the radio.

Mama Hajja: Yes, very much. I have a small radio that I listen to almost every day.

Neptune Prime: What do you usually listen to?

Mama Hajja: Traditional Kanuri songs. I love them because they remind me of my childhood and the old days. Some of the songs teach good values and tell stories about our culture.

Neptune Prime: What is your favourite food?

Mama Hajja: Tuwo with Miyan Kuka.

Neptune Prime: What is your favourite colour?

Mama Hajja: Green.

Neptune Prime: Do you enjoy sports?

Mama Hajja: Not very much, but when my grandchildren are watching football, I sit with them and enjoy the match.

Neptune Prime: What makes you happiest at this stage of your life?

Mama Hajja: Seeing my children and grandchildren doing well. When I see them healthy, educated, and responsible, I feel proud and happy.

Neptune Prime: What message would you like to leave for young Nigerians?

Mama Hajja: Respect your parents and elders. Value education because it is very important. Work hard, be honest, and avoid bad company. Most importantly, trust in Allah and never lose hope, no matter how difficult life becomes.

Neptune Prime: Thank you very much for speaking with us, Mama Hajja.

Mama Hajja: Thank you, my daughter. May Allah bless you and grant you success in your studies and future career.

Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:

Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com