Despite his academic background, his mathematical expertise and his passion for teaching, Ebubedike, due to condition, has embraced palm oil hawking as current means of survival, recognizing its stability and demand in the market. While the palm oil business has been his major sustainer, he currently combines the business with his private and JAMB mathematical classes (both online and offline), which hold at scheduled hours in the day, without any of them causing a decay to the other.
Notwithstanding the challenges involved, he finds a way to balance his palm oil business with his love for teaching. It was also gathered that many of his regular customers buy palm oil by placing order for him to supply, both in retail and in wholesales. He said from the little proceeds he makes, he still takes care of himself and his family members, being the first son of the family.
When asked if he had applied for any of the government-provided opportunities that abound for people like him in Anambra State, such as the teachers recruitment exercise, the One Youth Two Skills initiative, and others; Ebubedike said he applied for the One Youth Two Skills, but his name was not shortlisted.
“As for the teachers recruitment, I applied and wrote the exam, but before I knew that applicants needed to also check their result by themselves while waiting for the shortlist, the link wasn’t opening anymore. So, I am still hopeful that they will shortlist me when the names are out,” he said.
Still full of optimism, the UNICAL graduate said he had never been ashamed of doing his palm oil business, as, according to him, anybody who wants to succeed in Nigeria today must first get rid of shame in any good thing he is doing to succeed.
“I am not ashamed at all. This is what keeps me alive and going on daily basis. So, why would I be ashamed of doing it, since it is legit? That is what the situation of the country has brought forth. So, we are in it already. And we only hope it would get better.”
Ebubedike, however, disclosed that many people (especially women and young girls) look down on him and “rate” him low, judging by the way they talk to him, because he sells palm oil, including those he assumes may not have written JAMB for the first time in their lives, let alone gaining admission and graduating, with all the stress and the financial implication involved. He, however, blames nobody for his fate and condition, still expressing optimism that things would be better some day, as no condition is permanent.
When asked the nature of assistance or support he needs now, Ebubedike said he needed higher capital to expand the business, adding that he had, in countless occasions, lost some of his customers because he had no money to buy the quantity of the oil they ordered or to procure and deliver it at the time they needed it.
He also expressed his dire need for a gainful employment, to enjoy the full benefit of his education; even as he equally expressed interest to further his studies, harping on his urgent need for sponsorship to enable him realize his full potential.
“Any way or anyhow anybody wants to help or support, I am open and thankful. People can reach me through +2348167760374 . I believe in myself that I have something to offer for the betterment of the society. But I have not been able to do that because I am being retarded by issues of life, occasioned by the condition of the country. And even to travel out is not easy. So, we had to stay back, because this is our country. And I believe different people have something to contribute to make it better. My brother, that is why you see me hustling in my own little and legit way, rather than creating more problem for the country that is also full of problem.
“My fellow youths should also embrace spirit of hustle, for those who have not. That is the only thing that can save us in this country, instead of indulging in crime, tormenting others who are also suffering like you, or waiting for manner to fall from heaven. There’s always a humble beginning. With this kind of mindset, I believe we can get there someday, and our past will be a story to inspire others in the nearest future,” Ebubedike said, as he stood to go receive his pay for some cans of palm oil he earlier delivered to an eatery operator who has called him repeatedly all through the time of his interaction with this reporter.