Justice Onyekwere and Theresa Okuoe make a living selling watermelon and both tell a story that should motivate millions of unemployed youths to think outside the box of looking for someone to employ them.
On a good day, Onyekwere makes a net profit of N7,000. Okuoe nets N5,000.
They ply their trade side by side, and harmoniously too, at the bus stop in Iyana-Iba market in the Ojo area of Lagos.
Onyekwereis married with two children. Okuoe is single.
When TheNiche encountered them, they narrated a captivating story and insisted that unemployment is a mindset.
Onyekwere started trading in watermelon five years ago after his fashion design shop in Ikorodu was demolished by the government.
Onyekwere on start up
When I lost my shop, the only affordable but attractive business I could set up was selling watermelon in retail. Before then, I had bought and taken watermelon with my family on several occasions and that helped me to realise that I could make impressive profit selling it.
I decided that, to enjoy better patronage and beat those already in the business, I needed to do it in a way that customers will find irresistible. I came up with neatness and packaging.
Okuoe on start up
Going into the business was not by accident. I thought it through after I came to Lagos. After helping my sister for a while in her own business, I considered it wise to start my own so that I would not be a burden to my sister who at the time lived on selling salad ingredients.
I realised I could be on my own selling watermelon which I discovered has an impressive profit margin. I started with N5,000 about four years ago. Now, I sell over five dozens a day for N12,000 and make a profit of N5,000.
Sales strategy and turnover
Sales depend largely on packaging and the impression made on customers. The watermelon must be fully ripe and sweet, and a slice appreciable to fetch N50.
The most important strategy is a high standard of hygiene.
The basin of water for washing it must be at hand for customers to see before cutting it on a clean tray. As one person cuts it, an assistant packages it in a neat nylon to prevent contamination by flies.
The clean surroundings attract a high traffic of customers. Some think a slice costs N100 then discover to their admiration that it is N50. It encourages them to return another day.
Having repeat customers suggests that they are satisfied with your service. That is why I sell over 10 dozens sometimes, Onyekwere said.
Okuoe added: It also depends on the quality of watermelon. I buy the ones that are quite sweet and my customers enjoy the taste and keep coming back.
On a hot sunny day, I sell a minimum five dozens and close early enough to get home and do chores.
Onyekwere’s advice to unemployed youths
If the government does not employ you, employ yourself and create employment for others.
I was a professional tailor with a shop in Ikorodu. But when the government demolished the shop, I became jobless for a while and later decided to go into this business. I had never tried it before, but thank God, it is worth it.
I advise job seekers to start doing something on their own and do it the best way they can. That is the secret of success in business.
Okuoe’s advice to jobless women
Women who sell their bodies claiming they have no job should consider selling watermelon instead. It is a business they can comfortably do with a small amount of money.
If they get busy doing something, and going out every day, they won’t have the time for prostitution, especially if they start generating enough money to take care of personal needs.
As a lady, I have learnt to look beyond a man in order to survive. Unemployment is not a reason for one to mess oneself around.
Onyekwere appeals to the government
Our major challenge is harassment by officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and I appeal to the government to stop them.
Council and KAI officials harass us even as we maintain a clean environment and pay dues. I am married with two children, and it is from the proceeds of this business I cater for them.
The government should allow us do our business so that our dependents will not suffer.
