Sunday, January 25, 2009
Small And Medium Scale Enterprise
In stark contrast to the Maximum Security shop of the previous post, I came across this “shop” in front of a house where I went to ask directions and I must say I was so touched by their business acumen that I had to take a picture.
Their stock which was tailored to cater to our very basic needs included but was not limited to (starting clockwise from the top):
- a container with several pencils sticking out
- several plastic containers holding Maggi cubes, other miscellaneous seasonings, granulated sugar and sweets
- a bucket containing our dearly beloved garri (or is it rice? I can’t remember)
- something wrapped in a black polythene bag (couldn’t figure what was inside but I couldn’t ask to open it, now could I?)
- washing soaps and sachets of detergent on a plate
- a ledger, no doubt for recording profit and loss
- a portable cooler with a sachet of water on top signifying the contents (probably 2 other sachets)
- and a yellow paint bucket containing several other unidentifiable substances
Impressive stock, eh? Quite a way to start a business if you ask me. This pix took me down memory lane to the days when my mum did have a store like this that sold everything miscellaneous.
The whole look of this enterprise taught me a lesson in humility. This business owner, rather than steal or engage in any of a million nefarious activities wakes up every morning convinced that she is filling her neighbours’ needs and joining her efforts (no matter how small) towards national economic revival while oiling the wheel of financial independence (that’s CBN-type speak by the way).
And considering the very open nature of this shop compared with that of the previous post, I bet you the owner of this one doesn’t need to sleep with any eye open.
The pix might look amusing but please don’t laugh. After all, this was probably how ShopRite started!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Welcome To K i r i k i r i
Due to the nature of my work, every now and then I get calls to visit hospitals in far and away places. During a trip to Bida, Niger State sometime last year, I happened to stroll through the G.R.A. and saw this sight I couldn’t help but capture:
In case you don’t get it, it’s actually a kiosk constructed out of corrugated roofing sheets and wood close to the wall fencing a building. What surprised me was the iron cage (called “burglary proof” or “protector” in local Nigerian parlance) that surrounded the whole thing!
Kiosks like these usually sell household goods like detergents, soft drinks and various food items but I doubt if the value of such stuff requires the need of such Maximum Security!
Who knows? Methinks there’s more to this kiosk that meets the eye. *whisper* Or could it be that some high-ranking Government Official’s loot is actually stored inside there?
Just a thought… but no be me talk am oh!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Headful of Comic Relief
"(the) Picture (was) taken off a friend's post on FB. I just had to share this with you guys, make a comment, let's know what you make of this. LOL ..."
If there's a better way to define comic relief, then I don't know what it is!
PS: To see the picture in its original location then you'll need to join the SuperNaija forum first before getting access. Registration is free!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Appointment With Aunty Flo
In case you can't see the pix too well, here's a close-up. What really amused me was the spelling.
Well, what do you think?