She was comfortably seated on a stool a few meters away from the gate of the University of Uyo Town Campus, mending a client’s shoes. That’s what she does for a living. Beside her was a toddler crying and clinging to her for attention. So, in a divided attention, she continued with the mending process, while still attending to the undaunted toddler.
This is the untold story and daily routine of an 18-year-old mother and cobbler who should be in school under the care and guidance of her parents, but who’s now struggling to make ends meet after falling short of grace early in life.
“My name is Peace Utibe Sunday, I’m from Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. I will clock 19 by the end of this month (March).
“I’m not married, but I have a boyfriend I’m living with and we have a child together — a 10-month-old baby boy.
“I met my boyfriend during one holiday when I was home. Then, I was in Senior Secondary School (SS1) and I got pregnant for him so I had to stop schooling.
“During the time of my pregnancy, so many people advised me to abort the pregnancy, but I couldn’t kill my own child.
“I told all those that gave that advice that I won’t abort it but I will bear the consequences of my actions. Even if I have nothing to eat or take care of him, I will not abort him because he will become someone great.
“When I gave birth to my baby, I was 18 years old and there were so many people that were telling me that I wouldn’t cope, but by God’s grace, I’m coping. I gave my baby nine months exclusive breastfeeding without water.
“I live in a single-room apartment with my boyfriend at Itu Road.”
Pretty Peace is a product of a broken home. At a very tender age, she was denied the affectionate love and care of her mother who left her husband for a better life elsewhere.
She narrated further: “My mother left my father when I was just five years old, so my father struggled to take care of me and my sibling. I have a younger sister. She is living with my father.
“I used to ask my boyfriend when he was going to marry me, but he would say he will when there is money.
“My boyfriend makes shoes and he is the one that taught me how to make shoes. I repair shoes and that is the trade I’m using to take care of myself and my baby.”
Amid all the existential struggles, radiant Peace remains hopeful for a better life if providence smiles on her to return to school.
“I plan on going back to school when my baby starts walking and schooling. I have already told my boyfriend that.
“In fact, I’m already saving money from the money I make daily for that purpose. I have a shop inside the school where I repair shoes.
“Though I got pregnant at a young age, I will not let that discourage me from fulfilling my dreams of going to school and becoming something in life and that is why I’m hustling.
“I don’t want to live a wayward life because I don’t want to be a double disappointment to myself.
“I started my shoe-making craft in 2021. It is what is sustaining me and my baby. Though it is not always enough to buy clothes for myself, it is helping me in taking care of my baby.
“When I see my mates in university going for classes and studying, I normally feel bad, but I don’t regret it because I know that I will still go back to school.
“I am determined to go back to school. I believe that there is time for everything and when the time comes, I will find my foot again. Once my baby clocks one year. I will put him in school and write WAEC and JAMB examinations,” he vowed.
Peace went further to explain the profitability or otherwise of her shoe-making job as well as the current cost of living and the manner it affects her and her baby. “Sometimes, I make up to N4,000 to N5,000 daily when school is in session.
“I don’t buy baby food because it is very expensive. What I give to my baby is pap. Though the pap is expensive, it still serves my baby very well. N300 pap used to serve my baby for two days, but now, it’s only for a day.
“Things are costly and the blame is on everyone including the government and traders.
“The issue of fuel is the major thing that is increasing the price of foodstuff and all other things but sometimes, traders want to make extra profit and as a result, increase the prices of their products more than necessary.
“They don’t do this individually but collectively. For example, the garri sellers will come together and agree that a cup of garri should be sold for N200 and everyone will agree.
“If there is anyone that is interested in helping me, I will ask them to open a shop for me. The space that I am using in repairing shoes, I pay N24000 yearly for it.
“Would I mind if someone decides to help sponsor my return to school for a better future? Not at all. I know I missed it at a point, but I’ve learnt my lessons and I’m ready to make amends if I’m given a second chance,” she assured.
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