Enter the world of female 'Keke Marwa' riders in Lagos (Watch videos)

In a country where unemployment is growing by the day, coupled with teeming mass of unemployed and unemployable youths, with many too lazy to think of what to do for themselves, it is spirit lifting to see some either employing their God-given talent to eke out a living or chart some fields others dread.

While some women use the situation to go into prostitution, some others who see dignity in themselves have decide to venture into areas hitherto seen as the exclusive reserves of men.

Enter the world of female 'Keke Marwa' (tricycle) riders who have defied all the odds to beat unemployment.

Debby is one of such female tricycle riders who has decided not to be idle but to plow the male dominated trade to make a living for herself and her family. Debby is one of the few female tricycle riders in Lagos who, daily, ferries her passengers to and fro the routes she plies.

Speaking in flawless English, an indication that she is either a graduate or well educated, Debby says her decision to take to the 'Keke Marwa' business stemmed from the fact that she does not want to depend on men to live her life.

Another of such daring females is Stella, a tall beautiful lady who has decided to shun vices like prostitution to chart a path for herself. Stella operates in Ikeja around the Allen Avenue axis and trust Lagosians, many prefer to ride in her tricycle, believing as a woman, she would be more careful and diligent.

Stella, the 'Keke Marwa' rider

Photo Credit: TVC

Stella's story is slightly different from that of Debby, as she graduated to riding 'Keke Marwa' from being a commercial motorcyclist, popularly called 'Okada'. Stella said that when she started, there was a lot of skepticism as the men among her tried to discourage her by telling her it is a man's preserved trade. But she insisted and told them she would want to be the first female 'Okada' rider. As the pioneer tricycle rider in Lagos, Stella has created a marker for other women and she is proud that others have decided to follow suit.

Even some men have paid tribute to the women for inspiring them to go into the business instead of being idle and going into crime.

Apart from Debby and Stella, there are some other women who have found joy in engaging in the 'Keke Marwa' business and this has sent a message to some idle youths who are hoping that Manna would fall for them from heaven.

Watch the videos here.

Video Source: TVC

Video Source: AfroSpiral TV

Video Source: NTA Lagos