While jogging this morning, I ran into one of my keke riders.
He is a Hausa guy, and when he saw me, he stopped so we could exchange pleasantries. I used that opportunity to check out my keke, and I was honestly impressed by how well he has maintained it.
I have three Hausa guys riding keke for me, and since I gave them the tricycles, I have never had a single issue with them.
What’s even more surprising is that this particular keke is five months old, yet it doesn’t have a single scratch on it. I don’t know if I should say I’m just lucky, but I have had the privilege of working with responsible Hausa men who genuinely want to help themselves.
Now, let me contrast this with another experience. The last keke I gave out to someone I thought would understand me better—my own Igbo brother—was the same keke I had to go and pick up at the police station.
Some of our young men today don’t want to engage in meaningful work anymore. They come online to shout “no job,” yet when they are given an opportunity to help themselves, they don’t take it seriously.
There are still those who have become someone from just riding keke those who wants to help themselves.
If you’ve noticed in Enugu, most Hausa keke riders keep their tricycles clean and well-maintained. I can’t speak for other states, but here in Enugu, I can confirm it. Of course, there are rough Hausa riders too, but the majority of them keep their kekes neat and in good condition.
At the end of the day, anyone who truly wants to help themselves will do whatever it takes to make it happen.
I am really proud of these guys.
©️ Kelvin Onovo
