Here’s an update on how businesses are doing post covid lockdown
Business owners are learning other ways to stay afloat. The pandemic struck hard to the point of collapse of businesses and loss of confidence in revamping production and services.
We had some time with some business owners in the market where we discussed their experience during the global lockdown, their challenges as well as business knowledge they acquired in the course of survival amidst the pandemic.
Markets in Kaduna were locked for more than 3 months, this had however brought decay in businesses situated in the markets within the metropolis, bringing all activities to a halt, to prevent the spread of the pandemic amongst the people of the state and even the nation entirely.
In an interview with one of the business owners at Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Market, who craves anonymity, he mentions the collapse of many businesses, as they are not able to proceed with their business activities as most of them lost all to the pandemic with no hope at sight for revamping their businesses, and many may have to find other lines of businesses. He expresses his joy on the eventual full reopening of commercial activities in the market and calls on all and sundry to comply with the measures put in place by health authorities and government to tackle the spread of the disease as sanity is gradually restored in business.
He however notes the need for government intervention in reviving the businesses of some of these people with whom they labored for years to set up strong enterprises in the markets of the State.
We also met with a farmer, Abdullahi Hamisu, whose farm is situated close to the bank of the River Kaduna at Tudun Wada, and also an active member of his farmers’ cooperative. He is quite hopeful that this season shall be of a bumper harvest as he records quite a huge level of success meeting with buyers on Amana Market, where he successfully sold out more than 40 bags of maize after the previous season’s harvest. This, however, makes him encourage other farmers to join the platform so to expand their income with ease.
For Hamisu, a Tailor in the same market, he explains how much the pandemic made him realize other ways of marketing his designs to customers and how that significantly adds value to his business.
He expresses his happiness using digital technology to market his brand, which he describes as a success since he meets quite a number of his clients through Amana Market as well as other social media platforms.
Even though his business is on the pendulum, he is hopeful the business shall continue to expand against all odds coming out of the lockdown, and with the use of digital technology, he would market his brand and showcase his unique designs and clothing materials.
We also engaged in some quick talks with some young shoemakers in Ilorin Road, Independence Way in Kaduna, who were recently introduced to Amana market. They express their satisfaction using technology.
They point out that business links have been established with some of their customers and their handmade shoes already selling on the Amana market platform.
They are hopeful that the continuous use of digital technology would go a long way in boosting their business growth and enhance learning from their counterparts from different places through digital engagement and marketing their products as they continue to get buyers.
Small businesses such as SugarCane(Rake), Tigernut (Aya), Dates (Dabino) sellers, Wristwatch repairmen, and a host of others were not left out.
They express distress due to the low demand for their products as a result of the lockdown but are highly energized to kickstart post lockdown and in their words, “We are happy to be back again”.
As we continue to overcome challenges and double our efforts in helping small businesses to thrive, we will continue sharing the challenges they face on social media.
