Abuja: A widow and mother of five, Mrs. Benedict Okoro, has revealed how she successfully raised her children using the income from her pepper grinding business. Despite the challenges, Okoro has managed to provide for her family after the passing of her husband five years ago.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Okoro shared that her daily earnings from the business ranged from N1,000 to N2,000, which she meticulously utilized to cater to her children’s needs. The Enugu native admitted that her income was often barely sufficient to cover daily necessities, including food and educational expenses.
Okoro emphasized the difficulties of raising her children single-handedly amidst the rising cost of living and education. She expressed hope that with governmental support, parents could better sustain their families through small and informal businesses.
Highlighting the challenges faced by petty traders, Okoro noted that many operate in makeshift environments, exposing them to harsh weather conditions. She called on the Federal Government to provide affordable shops in areas like the Dei-Dei market to shield traders and their goods and foster business growth.
Moreover, Okoro advocated for access to soft loans, arguing that affordable credit facilities would help low-income traders expand their stock and improve earnings. She stressed the dual struggle of meeting daily family needs while ensuring her children’s education.
To conclude, Okoro urged relevant authorities and compassionate Nigerians to extend support to vulnerable families, particularly widows and small-scale traders, who face similar challenges.