Kaduna: Two orphaned brothers, Auwal Ibrahim, 14, and Kamal Ibrahim, 15, are turning plastic bale straps, which were previously discarded, into a source of income to support their household in Kaduna. Through skill, patience, and determination, the brothers transform the straps used to tie imported clothing bales into colourful handwoven baskets that generate income for their family.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the brothers, both students in Junior Secondary School (JSS) 2, reside with their grandfather in the Rigasa area after the death of their biological father, while their mother has remarried. Ibrahim shared that he learned the craft by observing older artisans in his neighbourhood after they declined to formally teach interested children. “I just stood there and watched them because we lived in the same area. That was how I learned,” he said.
The teenager mentioned that he began experimenting with the craft while in primary five and improved through practice. His motivation to earn an income intensified when he was required to pay examination fees at school, a financial burden later covered by his grandfather but one that spurred Ibrahim to take the trade more seriously. “I took some materials that had been brought to me, made a basket, and went to sell it at Yan Gwari market. I made N3,200 that day and gave the money to my mother,” he recalled.
Since then, Ibrahim has consistently produced and sold miniature baskets, earning an average profit of around N5,000 whenever he sells 10 pieces. He explained that materials worth N1,000 could produce baskets valued at approximately N3,000, while a small basket made from materials costing N200 could sell for N500. The brothers dedicate Thursdays and Fridays to weaving, while Wednesdays and Saturdays are reserved for marketing their products. “In a good week, I can make up to N10,000 profit, though sometimes it is less,” Ibrahim noted.
Kamal, his elder brother, joined the trade after witnessing Ibrahim’s success. “It was my younger brother who taught me. I saw that he was making money, and our grandmother encouraged me to learn too,” Kamal said. Despite their entrepreneurial efforts, both brothers emphasize that the trade does not interfere with their education. Kamal contributes part of his earnings to the family’s upkeep, using the money to buy clothes and personal items, while also helping with household expenses.
The young entrepreneurs face challenges, including the loss of money during business trips. Kamal admitted to misplacing earnings after sales on several occasions, partly due to carrying money in worn-out pockets. Nonetheless, neither brother is discouraged. Kamal aspires to learn additional vocational skills in the future, while Ibrahim aims to expand the basket-weaving business. Their immediate needs include access to capital and a secure workspace. “We need capital support and a place where we can work, like a shop. We can keep our materials there and continue our work without worrying about where to store them,” Ibrahim said.
Abdullahi Yunusa, a second-hand clothes seller who provides these plastic straps to the boys, appreciates their initiative. “Anytime they get money, no matter how small, they prefer buying the rubber to make baskets. It is a really big achievement. Instead of waiting for their parents to do something for them, with this creativity, they can take care of themselves and even help their parents,” Yunusa remarked. He added that the plastic straps, once considered waste, have found new life through the boys’ creativity, reaching other states like Kano for various uses.
Yunusa called on wealthy individuals and politicians to assist these children with grants to support their business.