Thanks to her head warmer cap and pullover jacket, some passengers easily pass Miss Unyime Asuquo off as a male tricycle rider in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital.

But the graduate of the English language department, University of Uyo (UNIUYO) said she is not the only one, revealing that at least seven other female drivers are plying different routes in the south-south city.

One year into the male-dominated business, Miss Asuquo told journalist Bassey Ibiatisuho that the inability to come by a job in the oil-rich state forced her into the transport business months after lockdown restrictions were eased in the pandemic year.

However, her initial plan failed to sail through. The Uyo-born graduate said what she had nurtured before buying the Keke Napep was to lease the machine out to somebody. But the plan did not stack up as problems – presumably from the people she hired the Keke out to – soon caved in, forcing her to turn to his brother in a bid to train him on how to ride so he could take it up from there. But he appeared not to have bought the idea, and she squared up to the task.

In the dialogue below, Miss Asuquo lamented there are many graduates who have attained their PhD that are riding Keke in Uyo, as landing a job now appears to be more on ‘who knows who’ than on merit and papers. She says such a situation is a tad abnormal, adding: “I hope to get something befitting my qualification very soon.”

BASSEY: Good morning, please can you introduce yourself?

UNYIME: My name is Unyime Asuquo, a graduate of English Language Department, University of Uyo. I am an indigene of Uyo local government area, from Efiat Offot to be precise and for now I am a Keke rider.

BASSEY: How long have you been in this business?

UNYIME: I started in July 2020, so it’s exactly one year now since I started riding Keke.

BASSEY: A graduate of English Language and you speak very well, what made you go into Keke riding?

UNYIME: Well, I bought the Keke with the intention of giving to someone to ride for me, that wasn’t successful, then I started training my brother on how to ride but he didn’t show much interest in doing the business, so to avoid having problems with people, I decided to do the business myself since there was nothing else to do as at that time.

BASSEY: One year on the road, how has it been coping with your male counterparts?

UNYIME: (Smiles) Initially it was not easy, some of the men tried bullying me but now I understand the business better, so I have no problem right now. I knew how to drive a car before now, so I understood the safety rules and guidelines on the road. I hate embarrassment so I renew my papers and buy my tickets, so I have no problem with the union or government agents.

BASSEY: Many people think Keke riding is predominantly for men, what reaction do you get when passengers realize you’re a lady?

UNYIME: (Chuckles) I am not the only woman that rides Keke in Uyo, we have one that plies Aka road, another one that operates along Nwaniba, there’s one along Itam/Calabar-Itu way, for now I think we are up to seven in Uyo. It is not a new thing, in Lagos, Portharcourt and Abuja there are many female bus drivers and Keke riders. Because of my head warmer and pullover many people do not notice I am a woman, but those who do always expressed surprise, but I am used to it now.

BASSEY: Do you get encouragement or favours from your passengers?

UNYIME: Yes I do, a lot of them are happy and encourage me to continue, many leave their ‘change’ with me as appreciation as soon as they realize, so I get favours and encouragement.

BASSEY: How happy are you riding Keke?

UNYIME: Its fun in a way and I love my colleagues, those we load at the same spot, they’ve become my friends now since my friends and roommates back in school are not staying in Akwa Ibom, so those guys are the closest friends to me now aside my church members. Riding Keke is not what I dreamt of when I went to school and not certainly what I hope to do for long, this is just a phase in my life, I hope to get something befitting my qualification very soon.

BASSEY: What are the challenges you face?

UNYIME: Every business has it own challenge, Keke business has its own. You see me wear this pullover and head warmer even when it’s sunny, this is because I don’t want air to enter my body, so I protect myself. Sitting down for most of the day while riding can cause back and waist pain. These are the risks involved in the business.

BASSEY: What would be your advice to women who may want to venture into transportation business?

UNYIME: See, it was in the olden days that we had specific jobs designated for men and women not today. We have female mechanics, welders, drivers, barbers etc, same way we have men venturing into hairdressing, cooking etc. I encourage women to do any lawful business that brings them money in order to take care of themselves rather than depend on people for help all the time.

BASSEY: In closing, what would be your final words?

UNYIME: I am a graduate of English Language, there are many things I can do but sadly these jobs are not available, when available, only those with connection are employed leaving others stranded. Government should do better and create job opportunities for graduates. There are many graduates riding Keke, Masters and PhD holders riding Keke in this Uyo, that is not normal.

BASSEY: Thank you Unyime for your time

UNYIME: You’re welcome.