Paper qualifications are gradually being tuck away in the dusty book shelves as Stella Adele who graduated with a second class upper degree from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, now a Tricycle ‘Keke’ driver in Lagos.
Stella is providing to be the exception to the rule in a male dominated transport sector in Nigeria. She competes favorably with her male colleagues despite the society’s unwritten law that being a driver is not a woman’s job.
She revealed that she used to have a job but it didn’t really give her enough time to take care of her family, so she opted for a job that will give her a flexible time.
Adele delved into the tricycle business upon the advice of a police friend who told her how lucrative the business is.
With the support of her brother and a loan from the bank, she was able to start her own ‘keke’ business and she does it proudly with every bit of happiness.
She said she makes an average of N8,000 to N12, 000 everyday and nothing less than N7, 000 on days she resumes late due to some other engagements.
Adele plans to buy a bus in the nearest future with proceeds from her business.
Some of Adele’s colleagues commended her, stating that she is very hardworking and willing to succeed despite the nature of the business.
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Mr Samuel Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, has warned the Police in the command against extorting from commercial drivers as well as engaging in other criminal acts as culprits would face stiff sanction because their activities are damaging the image of Nigeria Police Force, NPF.
The Police Commissioner spoke against the backdrop of the alleged extortion by the Police along Uyo-Oron Road, the dismissal, and subsequent prosecution of two officers over their alleged involvements in cultism as well as leaking vital information to hoodlums.
He said: ‘’It has come to my notice that Police officers are extorting money from commercial motor drivers, particularly on Sundays and Mondays along Uyo-Oron Road and I have directed all patrol teams, tactical teams, Area Commanders and DPOs to warn their men to desist from such.
“Let me once again warn the Police officers, rank and file to shun all acts of criminality. They should desist from belonging to secret cults or fraternizing with them. Anyone caught will face the consequence. First, the person will be dismissed and then prosecuted.
“We have so far done that to two officers, who were caught. They also confessed to being members of the cult group. We have sent directives to all Divisions and DPOs are to warn their officers and men against cultism and leaking our information to members of cult groups.”