Name: Christiana Ude
State of origin: Enugu
Dependents: Husband and child
Business: I was dealing in fruits. I quit fruit business February last year to sale ‘fufu’ when fruits became very expensive and since fruits is perishable, I made losses than gain some days.
Profit: I make N900 profit on every N3,000 worth of ‘fufu’ I sell which is 75pieces.
Effect of recession: Last year, it could sell 75 pieces of ‘fufu’ within three days but these days, it takes me almost a week to sell the same quantity of ‘fufu’ because customers are no longer buying as much ‘fufu’ as they were buying last year.
Before now, we ate thrice a day and paid our bills but this year has been the worst for us so far and it appears to be getting worse by the day.
My husband’s business has been doing badly. The little money he makes from his motorcycle business is used for repairs because the motorcycle spends more time in the mechanic than on the road. This my ‘fufu’ business is our only reliable source of income.
Survival strategy: We eat whatever we can afford for the day, hoping the next day will be better.
School fees: I have not paid my daughter’s school fees since first term. We owe the school N45,000 now.
House rent: Our house rent expired last year and we were given quit notice. Last month (July), the lawyer in charge of the house came to drive us away but my husband pleaded with him. We rallied around and was able to raise N15,000 which is five months’ rent. The lawyer collected it but told us to pay up or vacate the room before they throw us out.
Challenge: I want to go into tailoring. I have learnt how to sew but I have not been able to save up money to buy a sewing machine.
CHINWE AGEBZE
