Nigerian shoemaker and Ebonyi State University graduate, Sharon Ijuolachi Akpa, has narrated how she slept on the floor of an office after she moved to Abuja from Abakaliki in search of greener pastures. Read her story below:
June 30th 2019, I left abakaliki to Abuja in search of greener pastures, pastures that turned to dry grass, I left thinking I will stay with my friend until I’m able to find my feet, my friend was supposed to be in Abuja a week after I left, so a colleague offered that I stay in his place for that one week until she comes back.
One week passed, my friend didn’t come back due to circumstances, atmosphere changed, and I really won’t blame the person, I kuku left and started sleeping in the office, in this very place you are seeing in this picture, it was tough cause I don’t know how to cope with cold, most nights I stand or walk around because lying down in this condition caused me serious chest pains, I saw shege in Abuja, I still have flashes of those times and shiver.
I had to come back to Ebonyi, since I have a skill and a bed here, many people felt I made a mistake, some even said Abuja is tough in the beginning eventually I would have survived, my dear it’s not about me, how would I survive on 40k salary with a son in a private school, a mom whose business failed and a dad who’s health isn’t conducive for his carpenter job? How long will I put up with sleeping in this condition or occasionally visiting my ex who is already in another relationship, if I see my boyfriend ex in his house under the guise of accommodation, how will I feel?
Next time you see me making back to back business post, remember this picture, I do not ever want to go back to this situation, I don’t even wish what I passed through in Abuja on my worst enemy, and everyday of my life, I give God glory for where he brought me from and where I am now, I always don’t share my sad stories because I feel I am not rich yet, but heck, I’m so so much better than two years ago, so why not share it and be grateful.
