Connect with us

Lifestyle

Kaduna residents find solace in Okada business amid job loss, demolition of markets, shops

Published

5 years ago

on

Kaduna State also known as the Crocodile City has gradually turned to a commercial hub for Okada riders as unemployment worsens and hardship bites harder.

This is evident from the fact that more salary earners in the state are being thrown out of their jobs following indiscriminate sack of workers at both private and public organizations in the State. Some were either sacked, got their appointment terminated or retired compulsorily.

Business centres and shops owners are not left out as their shop and other business places have been demolished by the State government without providing them enabling environment to continue with their businesses or paying them any form of compensation.

Many now face untold hardship as prices of household items including foodstuff have gone up astronomically beyond their reach, just as they have no other source of income to pick up their pieces.

The elderly ones among the sacked or retrenched workers, or those whose markets and shops were demolished often engage in begging, and in most cases fall sick and die. Their grown-up children take to the riding of commercial motorcycle, popularly called, ” Okada” since there is no dream of getting new jobs to keep body and soul together.

Most families sustain their daily life riding Okada in order to keep life going since it’s the only immediate source of income.

Although, the Kaduna State Government in 2014 banned commercial motorcycles, (Okada) from operating in the State, many unemployed household have ignored the ban since they have no other source of income. They operate within the rural center, but have now shifted to the urban centre, mostly dressed corporately to convinced government agents from arresting them.

Some did not learn how to ride motorcycles perfectly before beginning to carry passengers, which has often resulted in the loss of lives as they are often involved in accident.

In some cases, they sustain injuries that render them incapacitated.

Mr. Yusuf Amos worked with the defunct Kaduna Textile Limited (KTL) for 18 years before it was closed down, but unfortunately, till date, the company has not paid him his benefits or any form of entitlement.

” I worked for 18 years with KTL before it was liquidated. None of us were paid anything. When the company closed, I had no option than to look for an immediate source of income to feed my newly wedded wife. I only learnt Okada for two hours and bargained with the owner who said I should deliver 500 Naira daily. But after five days of riding the Okada, I had an accident that injured my left leg. Several treatments were administered but to no avail. The only solution was to cut off my leg. Since then, I have remained a one-legged man.”

Also, Mr. Nathaniel Odoma said, “Since United Nigerian Textile Company (UNTL) was shut down in 2006, I have had no other job. The gratuity paid to me could not even buy a plot of land. So I invested the money in Okada business. I bought two motorcycles, which I gave out on a daily basis. From the income generated, I pay school fees of my children, feed them and pay my house rent.

” My male children have grown, they too ride the Okada, use the income to train themselves in school. We have no other business nor job. Government is not helping us. We have to help ourselves to sustain our lives. It’s better to operate Okada to feed than to steal,” he said.

Hajia Bilkisu Mohammed who operates two shops in Kakuri market said she developed High Blood Pressure (BP) since her shops were demolished a few months ago.

” I have no rest of mind. I lost my husband some years back. My only investment and the hope to train my children was the shops. My children sometimes, helped me to sell some goods. We have been operating in those shops for seven years. But, when Kaduna State government demolished the shops, no compensation was paid, no money was given to us, we were not given a new environment to operate. I don’t have money to rent a shop. Thinking alone gives me sleepless night,” She said tearfully.

Culled from the Daily Post Nigeria

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Lifestyle

Burbank Marriage Unravels After Woman Allegedly Used Tracking Devices to Monitor Husband

Published

1 month ago

on

December 27, 2025

By

Burbank, Calif. — What began as a seemingly happy two-year marriage ended in confrontation and police involvement after a Burbank woman allegedly used multiple electronic tracking devices to monitor her husband’s movements, authorities and sources familiar with the situation said.

According to information obtained by this outlet, the marriage between Amos and Yolanda deteriorated after Yolanda allegedly placed Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, and a GPS tracking device on Amos’ vehicle and personal belongings without his knowledge. The devices reportedly allowed her to monitor his location in real time and reconstruct his daily movements across the city.

Friends of the couple said the marriage appeared stable during its early years, with the pair often seen together at community events and social gatherings. However, tensions reportedly escalated when Yolanda began confronting Amos about his whereabouts, referencing locations and timelines he had not shared with her.

The situation reached a breaking point when Yolanda allegedly tracked Amos to an apartment complex in Burbank, where she believed he had gone without informing her. Sources say she arrived at the location shortly after he did, leading to a heated confrontation in the parking area of the building. Neighbors, alarmed by raised voices, contacted local authorities.

Burbank police responded to the scene and separated the parties. While no arrests were immediately announced, the incident marked the effective end of the couple’s marriage, according to individuals close to Amos.

Legal experts note that the unauthorized use of tracking devices may raise serious privacy and stalking concerns under California law, depending on intent and consent. Law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed whether an investigation remains ongoing.

The case underscores growing concerns about the misuse of consumer tracking technology, originally designed to help locate lost items, but increasingly implicated in domestic disputes and surveillance-related allegations.

As of publication, neither Amos nor Yolanda had publicly commented on the incident.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Kaduna Governor Commissions Nigeria’s First 100-Building Prefabricated Housing Estate

Published

3 months ago

on

November 14, 2025

By

Kaduna, Nigeria – November 6, 2025 — In a major milestone for Nigeria’s housing sector, the Governor of Kaduna State has commissioned a 100-unit mass housing estate developed by Family Homes and executed by Karmod Nigeria, marking the first-ever large-scale prefabricated housing project in the country.

Completed in under six months, the innovative project demonstrates the power of modern prefabricated construction to deliver high-quality, affordable homes at record speed — a sharp contrast to traditional building methods that often take years.

Each of the 100 units in the estate is designed for a lifespan exceeding 50 years with routine maintenance. The development features tarred access roads, efficient drainage systems, clean water supply, and steady electricity, ensuring a modern and comfortable living environment for residents.

According to Family Homes, the project represents a new era in Nigeria’s mass housing delivery, proving that cutting-edge technology can accelerate the provision of sustainable and cost-effective homes for Nigerians.

“With prefabricated technology, we can drastically reduce construction time while maintaining top-quality standards,” said a spokesperson for Family Homes. “This project is a clear demonstration of what’s possible when innovation meets commitment to solving Nigeria’s housing deficit.”

Reinforcing this commitment, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State emphasized the alignment between the initiative and the state’s broader vision for affordable housing.

“The Family Homes Funds Social Housing Project aligns with our administration’s commitment to the provision of affordable houses for Kaduna State citizens. Access to safe, affordable and secure housing is the foundation of human dignity. We have been partnering with local and international investors to frontally address our housing deficit,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ademola Adebise, Chairman of Family Homes Funds Limited, noted that the project embodies inclusivity and social progress.

“The Social Housing Project also reflects our shared vision of inclusive growth, where affordable housing becomes a foundation for economic participation and improved quality of life.”

Karmod Nigeria, the technical partner behind the project, utilized its extensive expertise in prefabricated technology to localize the process, employing local artisans and materials to enhance community participation and job creation.

Industry experts have described the Kaduna project as a blueprint for future housing initiatives nationwide, capable of addressing the country’s housing shortfall more efficiently and sustainably.

With this pioneering development, Kaduna State takes a leading role in introducing modern housing technologies that promise to reshape Nigeria’s urban landscape.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Houston

Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie

Published

4 months ago

on

October 3, 2025

By

Houston was thrown into mourning on September 19, 2025, following the sudden passing of businessman and community advocate Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie, who peacefully joined his ancestors. Immediate family member in Houston, Nick Anozie, confirmed his untimely death and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from both the Houston and Owerri communities.

Lawrence was born to Chief Alexander and Lolo Ether Anozie of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, and will be dearly remembered by family members, friends, and the entire Houston community.

An accomplished accountant, the late Lawrence incorporated and successfully managed three major companies: Universal Insurance Company, LLC, Universal Mortgage LLC, and Universal Financial Services. Through these enterprises, he not only built a thriving business career but also created opportunities for countless individuals to achieve financial stability. His contributions to entrepreneurship and community development will remain a lasting legacy.

According to the family, arrangements for his final funeral rites are in progress and will be announced in due course.

Lawrence will forever be remembered as a loving and compassionate man who dedicated much of his life to uplifting others. He helped countless young Nigerians and African Americans overcome economic challenges by providing mentorship, financial guidance, and career opportunities. His generosity touched the lives of many who otherwise might not have found their footing. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith and never missed Mass, drawing strength and inspiration from his church community. To those who knew him, Lawrence was not only a successful businessman but also a pillar of kindness, humility, and faith whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations.

For more information, please contact Nick Anozie – 832-891-2213

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Trending