The Chairman of the Vulcanisers Association, Kebbi State Chapter, Faruku Mai-Faci, says over 48 young men are currently learning a trade and earning a living at his workshop.
Mai-Faci made this known in an exclusive interview with reporters in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
Recounting how he began learning the trade in Lagos and Ibadan 30 years ago, he said through resilience, persistence, and hard work, he rose above poverty to become an employer of labour.
“I am from Ka’oje in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State. I started this job in Lagos before moving to Ibadan. My master there was popularly known as Abiodun. When he died, I relocated to Kebbi.
“On returning to Kebbi, I worked under a man called Bashar Kamba, who became my master here, though I had already learnt the trade in Ibadan, Oyo State. My master in Ibadan was Abiodun, a Yoruba man.
“I started this job 30 years ago and have trained many boys. More than 200 have passed through me and are now working in different places.
“Even now, I still train many. Currently, I have 48 apprentices with me. Some attend school and come here after classes to work,” he said.
Reflecting on his progress, Mai-Faci said he had reason to thank God for His mercy and for blessing his work.
“I have built my own house, I have three wives and 14 children, and three of my children are married. By next year, Insha Allah, I will marry out another.
“I have no regrets. I am very grateful to God. The only regret I have is when one of my boys burst a customer’s truck tyre. The owner demanded a new tyre, and I suffered then.
“However, people around me helped, and I was able to resolve it,” he narrated.
The association chairman urged young people to avoid street begging and criminal activities, noting that many vocational training opportunities are available.
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“I advise young people to learn a trade instead of begging. It helps a lot, and God blesses such work.
“Here today, I can make up to ₦30,000 in a day — sometimes more, sometimes less. However, weather and season affect patronage in this business.
“I pay my boys aged 8 to 18 daily. Whatever they earn, I divide it into three parts — they take two, I take one.
“Those 18 and above keep the money themselves and submit it at the end of the day for me to share,” the chairman revealed.
Speaking on challenges, Mai-Faci said he always thanks God for His kindness, adding: “I don’t have many challenges. I am now the Chairman of the Vulcanisers Association in Kebbi.
“When any member has an issue with a customer, I step in to resolve it amicably.”
On the award he received, the chairman said Governor Nasir Idris recognised his contributions and hard work and honoured him on May 1, 2025, during Workers’ Day.
“Governor Nasir Idris gave me the award on May Day, 2025. He acknowledged my role as an employer of labour.
“He also recommends me to others and always waves at me whenever he passes this area as a show of appreciation for our work.
“Before he became governor, he used to repair his vehicle tyres here and always treated me well. I pray Almighty God to grant him all his wishes,” he prayed.
