People call me “Alhaji”, but my name is Ibrahim Yakubu. I am from Kebbi state and I’m 57 years old. For more than twenty years I have been collecting and selling scrap metals. I started the business in Osogbo and after some years moved to Akure, then Bayelsa and then to Oyo town. I did business in Oyo Town for 11 years before finally moving down to Ibadan three years ago. Due to my age I no longer go out myself to look for these items, however I have boys that do that for me. Presently, I have more than 15 boys (scavengers) who do the job for me and I pay them around #3,000 daily, depending what they collect.

Back in the day, a truck load of these scrap metals could be sold to factories in Ibadan and sometimes Lagos or Osun for around #750,000 to #800,000. But now, due to how things are in the country and the challenges we face collecting these materials we sell for around #1,200,000. Before my laborers go out in the morning, I give them at least #3,000 because quite often when picking up scraps they get coerced into dropping some money before they’re allowed to pick up the scraps.

All in all, I thank Allah for where my business is presently and I pray that he continues to show me favour so that I can expand my business within the city and beyond.