By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
In this interview, NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Newspaper Correspondent speaks with Malam Bashir Ibrahim, a shoe shiner, on his lifetime, and how he was able to travel to a number of states in Nigeria to do his business.
What is your name?
My name is Malam Bashir Ibrahim. I was born in the Katsalle district of Birnin Kudu local government area council of Jigawa State, North West, Nigeria.
How old are you and when did you start this business?
I am 35 years old, and I started this business at the age of 15 years. Now, I have spent 20 years in the business.
What motivated you in this business?
Well, actually, l developed an interest in this shoe shinning business when I was around 8-10 years, as as a result of my friendship with my friends at Tsangaya Islamiyya School. I used to accompany them after we have had our morning class reading. And from there, I began to develop an interest and later started my own business with as little as N1000 from my savings.
How many states have you travelled to in this business so far?
I was privileged to travel to over ten Northern States in cause of this business to look for my daily means of livelihood and to feed my family and other needs.
These states were Samunaka, Unguwan Bawa, Fambeguwa, Kawo in Kaduna state, Yan Taya and Yelwan Shandam in Jos state, Tudun Wada Kebbi state, Awe in Nasawa state, Lugbe, Premier Academy, Tifa Garage Jabi junction in Abuja, Nasarawa in Gombe state, Albasu LGA, Mariri Yan Doya, Dorayi all in Kano state and presently living at Nasarawa Jahun in Bauchi state.
So you have a family?
Yes, of course, I married two wives and was blessed with 5 children: four boys and one girl. They are all in good condition.
What is your next plan?
Now, I'm planning and preparing to go to Lokoja in Kogi state after the Sallah break to continue from there.
Are you not satisfied or enjoying your stay in Bauchi state?
No, not at all. This has been my hobby, travelling from one place to another, I love travelling to places in my life.
How much are you getting every day?
Well, it depends. Sometimes I make up to N1000 or N1,500 every day, and if there was more market, I used to generate more than that amount. NNL.
