In a heartwarming tale of resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial grit, Mrs. Lateef Rukayat, a mother of six from Ibadan, is defying economic hardships by turning roasted corn sales into a sustainable livelihood that supports her family, including funding the education of two children in higher institutions.
Mrs. Rukayat, who operates at a popular junction in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, attracts loyal customers daily with the irresistible aroma of freshly roasted corn, even on rainy days. A certified hairdresser by training, she transitioned to the roasted corn business in January 2021 when her salon struggled to meet the demands of raising six children.
“Hairdressing was my dream, but it wasn’t moving. All my children are in school, with two of them in higher institutions,” she shared. “With God’s mercy, on a daily basis, if I borrowed money and got like ₦20,000 to buy corn, I used to earn about ₦25,000 to ₦27,000 daily. From the earnings, I contribute to a thrift, and that’s what I use to support my children’s schooling.”
The business, though seasonal and capital-intensive due to fluctuating prices of corn (recently around ₦15,000 per bag), charcoal, packaging, and transportation, has proven to be a reliable source of income. Mrs. Rukayat started with funds from a local “Network” borrowing scheme and emphasizes the importance of fresh stock, as unsold corn cannot be carried over to the next day without losing quality and customer trust.
Despite challenges such as high inflation and occasional total losses on expensive batches, her story highlights the power of small-scale businesses in Nigeria. She calls on the government to reduce the cost of goods and provide support to informal traders like herself to help families thrive.
Mrs. Rukayat’s journey from hairdresser to successful roadside entrepreneur serves as an inspiration to many facing economic pressures, proving that with determination, even humble ventures like selling roasted corn (agbado) can build a better future for the next generation.