When the Point of Sale (POS) business first emerged in Nigeria, it was often perceived as a temporary venture for secondary school leavers to manage until they gained admission to higher institutions.
However, the current economic climate has shifted this narrative, and individuals with higher education degrees are now embracing the business as a viable means of livelihood. THE WHISTLER spoke with Ugonne Maureen Okoye, a master’s degree holder who has turned to the POS business to make ends meet.
What were you doing before you started the POS business?
Before then, I was selling clothes. I used to display my clothes in the ‘gutter'(drainage channel) just at the NNPC junction in Kubwa, Abuja. When people pass by, they see the shirts and pick what they want. I left the ‘gutter’ and came up to the junction because I wanted to start up this POS business. I needed to stay where people could see me.
What led you to add a POS business to your existing clothing business?
I discovered that people were no longer buying clothes the way they used to. People now concentrate on feeding. So I decided to start this one so that any day I did not sell clothes, at least I will have some money to go home via the POS business.
I noticed the decline in buying of clothes ever since the removal of fuel subsidy. Before, people were still managing to buy but when the government removed the subsidy, it became bad. Before then, I used to go home with a profit of N5,000 and above but now even in a week, you might not be able to sell one shirt. People only buy when they pay salary…that first week and second week. But after that, we wait again until the end of the month.
So, how is the business going?
Business is not too good. The economy is affecting everything because it is when you have money, you will come to withdraw.
Do you pay for space here?
Yes, there are people who call themselves a taskforce that collect N200 from me every week. I don’t really know where they are coming from. They said it is their job. If you are looking for a space here, you have to consult them. The one that gives us bigger headache is the people that come from town. They usually disturb us around November, December. They will tell us that they don’t want to see anybody on the street; that we should go to the market and sell our goods.
What motivated you to advance your education?
I started my masters in National Open University of Nigeria(NOUN). The master is in view as the result is not out yet but I have done my project and all. I did my masters in Public Health. I studied Microbiology at the University of Jos, Plateau State. I finished in 2011.
I decided to advance my education last year since I couldn’t get a job with my B.Sc. I decided to add it up with masters with the hope that I will get a good job after this.
After my National Youth Service Corps, I searched for a job everywhere but couldn’t get any. I applied for Immigration, Civil Defence, Fire Service…all the parastatals. Even that year there was a stampede during Immigration screening in the National Stadium. I was there. I don’t know why I didn’t get it; maybe because of the Nigerian factor. I mean they are not interested in what you can offer but who you know. Even some of my colleagues, who I am far better than academically, are working with good jobs…maybe because they ‘know people’.
I didn’t want to give up on myself. I am also a motivational writer. I have written three books. Some of my books are ‘Discover the king in you’ and “The Crown in your hands”, written to motivate people not to give up.
How did you start writing?
I discovered that even way back in my secondary school, when I am in my quiet moment, I do get inspiration to write. But I had a passion for science. I wanted to study pharmacy. I wrote the first Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and the course I was given was chemistry education.
The second one was microbiology. I just decided to move on with microbiology. However, I know I have writing talent. That was why even when I finished school, I decided to write motivational books to encourage people not to give up on themselves. No matter who you are, there is something special about you.
How do you sell the books?
When I was in Akwa-Ibom, I distributed it in supermarkets and people bought it from them. Ever since I relocated to Abuja, I only sell when I am called to talk on youth seminars. But I just sell a little.
I am also appealing to anybody who can help me sell my books so that it can encourage me to write more. I have over 300 copies that are yet unsold.
How did you cope with going to school and handling your business?
It wasn’t funny at all. I didn’t find it easy because I am still the one sponsoring myself to school and during that period of exams, I had to close up my business. It wasn’t easy but I know nothing good comes easy.
What are the challenges you face in the business?
In the POS business, there are days when the network will be slow. This affects transactions. When a transaction doesn’t come through, and you try to explain to the customers, they usually think that you want to ‘eat’ their money. The other day, I was trying to convince a customer that I was not to blame for the error in the transaction. The argument lingered that I had to leave here late. Another day, a customer was threatening me, saying that he was in the army and he would arrest me.
For the cloth business, all these boys loitering around, if you are not careful, will steal your clothes. They did it once. That’s why I had to buy waterproof to cover the back of the stand so that I will be watching only the front.
Also, the noisy environment which can affect one’s health but what can we do? We keep managing.
It is also not easy during the rainy seasons. I had to pack the clothes but put up my umbrella for the POS business.
Do you have any plans about seeking a job?
When I was in Akwa-Ibom, I was teaching in a private university but the challenge I had there was that they were owing. I have plans to continue with lecturing because I love it. Once I get my results, I will start searching for a job in a private university.
Now that you’ve completed your master’s degree, do you plan to pursue further education?
Yes. Going to school is not only about having a certificate, it is all about getting the knowledge. It is only when you die that you stop learning but as long as you are alive, you keep on learning. As I do my business here, there is a difference between me and another person who did not go to school, especially with the way I interact with my customers. That is why when they come they notice it immediately. They tell me that I speak English well and asks if I am educated and they are always surprised.
Are you married?
Yes, I am married with two children. I am in my late 30s. I am from Enugu by birth and Anambra by marriage.
What is your appeal?
Government should do the right thing. Someone who has gone to schools to the level of first degree should be able to get a reasonable job. That’s my appeal to the government.