Since Olajumoke Orisaguna’s story literally ‘broke the internet’ a few weeks back, a number of people affiliated to her including her family members have had wonderful things to say about her. An interesting fact worth noting is that we have not heard from Jumoke herself.
In this interesting chat with Encomium, Jumoke gives us an insight about her life before the sudden rise to stardom and success and her future plans.
When you decided to come over to Lagos, did you envisage that things will turn around overnight?
No, I didn’t. I didn’t even expect it. All what I had in mind was a means of survival. That’s all. It is quite unbelievable. I said I should work for a while so that I could have things I would resell when I go back home. I didn’t expect this at all. I am very happy about the whole thing. I am really excited.
Why didn’t you work in a salon, why is it that it was bread you decided to sell?
I don’t know anybody in Lagos. I just came over to Lagos. Someone told me that I should come and sell bread in Lagos that I will make money from it. I decided to come because it wasn’t something that was morally wrong. I know I cannot steal or do anything that could tarnish my image or that of my family.
How did you know the person that brought you to Lagos?
The elder brother of one of my friends. He also took me to the bakery where I got bread. We all slept at the bakery in an open space. All hawkers slept when we’re back from hawking around 11pm daily. We don’t pay for the space. It was part of the good gesture of the owner.
How much worth of bread do you hawk daily?
I take N5,000 worth. Sometimes I sell everything. At times, I have N1,000 worth of bread left. I made a gain of N400 to N500 daily. I do contribution, we ate as well out of it. I came back in January 2016. I have not even made so much money. When I came in 2011, I took permission from my boss, I made a lot of money, I bought equipment and got a shop. Things became a bit tough much later when students (of the Polytechnic in Ire, Osun state) went on strike. I didn’t have much in the stores gain. So, I decided to come over, work and use the money to buy things I could put in the salon with the hope that students would resume school again. I didn’t just want to sit down doing nothing.
How were you coping with a baby and still hawking bread?
I used to back her to wherever I was going. I know I cannot leave her at the bakery. Nobody will help me take care of her. At times, my boss also helped me out. He would make sure she ate and watched over her incase I left her at the bakery. But most times, we went together. The money I got from my business was what we fed on. I saved as well.
Now that things are better for you, how do you intend keeping your marriage?
I cannot leave my husband. He too cannot leave me because we love each other. My marriage will remain intact by God’s grace. And God will also help me to continue to be level-headed.
What went through your mind when you heard that TY Bello wanted to see you?
People were just talking. I was really afraid because I felt I had spoilt their work or something. I thought the picture was not okay. I was really afraid but I made up my mind to go and see her.
I said, whatever would happen should happen. It was later I saw people who told me that she wanted to help me. That encouraged me a bit. I went to see TY Bello. She treated me like her daughter and sister. She was so nice to me. She gave me food. She gave me things. I was really happy because it was a great relief to me.
What advice do you have for people like you out there?
I will tell them to get something doing. Once you are not into robbery or into prostitution. Whatever is good your hands find doing, please do it.
Tell us about the person that taught you hair dressing?
Her name is Temitope. She is in Osun state. I learnt hair dressing at her place in 2009.
How were you coping with a baby and still hawking bread?
I used to back her to wherever I was going. I know I cannot leave her at the bakery. Nobody will help me take care of her. At times, my boss also helped me out. He would make sure she ate and watched over her incase I left her at the bakery. But most times, we went together. The money I got from my business was what we fed on. I saved as well.
