A Nigerian Yam Seller Explains His 5 Marriages While Struggling Through Harsh Economic Pressures Across Regions

 

A story of survival continues to unfold around the Mammy Market Gate in Effurun, Delta State, where Ibrahim Yahaya has carved out a living through the simple craft of frying yam and chicken. The 45 year old Kano native carries a personal narrative layered with family obligations, cultural perspectives and an economy that has grown increasingly unforgiving. His life, shaped by both necessity and belief, offers a window into the struggles many face across Nigeria today.

A quiet confidence sits beneath his words as he speaks about his household. Yahaya is married to five women and has nine children, all living far away in Kano along with his ageing parents. His decision to build a large family was guided by his conviction that relying on a single spouse would leave him emotionally exposed. He believes that one wife could cheat and leave emotional wounds, so he chose what he considers a safer path by expanding his family structure.

A tougher reality forced him away from his provision store in Kano and into a new environment in Warri. The move, initially filled with hope, was expected to open doors to better earning possibilities. Instead, he found himself confronting another round of harsh economic conditions, ones that continue to squeeze small traders and daily earners.

A sense of frustration fills his recollections of better times. He recalls when a piece of fried chicken sold for a fraction of today’s price and when yam tubers cost far less than current market rates. The cost of running his business has soared so sharply that even after raising prices, he struggles to generate meaningful profit. The yam he buys now goes for figures that were once unthinkable. What cost between N3000 and N5000 only a few years ago has climbed to as high as N15000, a leap that threatens the viability of his trade.

A comparison between Nigeria’s present economic climate and the previous administration surfaced as Yahaya assessed his challenges. He insists that life was easier when the past government was in charge and argues that the current policies have made daily survival significantly more difficult. His words echo sentiments shared by many who feel weighed down by the rising cost of living.

A commitment to his family keeps him pushing through these pressures. The money he sends to Kano barely covers feeding costs, yet he continues to hustle, determined to ensure that no one under his roof goes hungry. The physical distance from home adds emotional strain, but the need to survive forces him to stay focused on his daily grind.

A warning punctuates his reflections as he urges authorities to intervene before hunger and rising prices push more citizens into desperation. His life in Warri serves as a reminder of the countless Nigerians navigating similar battles, holding onto hope while wrestling with mounting economic burdens.