Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, is the third largest city in Nigeria, with a population of 3.7 million. One hundred and thirty-two kilometers north of Lagos, Ibadan is bustling with street markets and stalls with colorful umbrellas. People sell everything from household goods, pots, and pans to snack foods, children’s clothes, and men’s pants. Cattle and livestock are available along with fabrics, shoes, bags, and jewelry.
When you turn off the main north-south highway onto one of the many side streets, the pavement turns to red dirt, and the bustle quiets down. Mom and pop shops dot either side of the road. It is here that Solar Sister Entrepreneur Iyanda Mujeedat Olaitan has her shop. She sells various convenience items, solar lights, and clean cookstoves.
She is proud to have the bright orange Solar Sister umbrella in front of the shop to attract customers. Many shopkeepers on her street are her customers purchasing solar lights so they can stay open later in the evening. Even though the shopping area is off the city’s busy thoroughfare, there is no electricity.
In 2016 Mujeedat met a Solar Sister Entrepreneur through an Islamic prayer program she was helping to organize. Several months later, her husband, an electrical engineer, lost his job. The entrepreneur called Mujeedat back a few weeks later to see if she was interested in becoming an entrepreneur, and Mujeedat joined Solar Sister.
At first, the additional income helped to give their children three meals a day. Mujeedat saved some of her profit and invested in other products, growing her business. The business training has helped her run her shop more efficiently. She is better at recording her inventory and calculating profit and loss.
“This work is good for women. We stand on our feet now. It builds our confidence,” Mujedaat says.
The following day, we met Mujeedat at her new home in Delight Estates, a recent housing development. We wound through a twisting maze of bumpy red dirt roads. Houses in various stages of being built dotted the peaceful landscape. They had been living in a small noisy apartment, and the new home gave them more room and the ability to keep chickens and goats. Mujeedat’s income helps with fixing up the house.
Mujeedat’s eyes brimmed with tears as she spoke of her children.
“My dream is very high for my children. You know,” Mujeedat said, “they are very loving children. I dream of a good education. None of them come in second.”
“I can stand anywhere. I am not looking behind. The work boosts my expectations. There is nothing I cannot do.”
Feature Image: Mujeedat with her three children, Kevin, 13, Scott, 10 and Valerie, 6.