"SLC26-W4 | Street Business Diaries: Service-based professions."

Greetings to everyone participating in this engagement challenge! It’s truly a privilege to be a part of this.

Every community, regardless of social class, relies heavily on various professional services. These services are essential in daily life and can be found everywhere; from simple roadside stalls built with wood, plastic, or metal, to well-furnished shops established in modern buildings. Interestingly, those who invest in attractive and more comfortable business environments often charge higher fees compared to roadside service providers, even when the quality of work is similar.

In my locality, numerous service-based occupations are in high demand. These include fashion designing, roadside petrol retailing, food vending, delivery services, tricycle and vehicle mechanics, electronics repairs, barbing, catering, manicure and pedicure, printing and photocopying, photography, shoe mending and making, among many others. The list seems endless because different people have different needs. For instance, students frequently require printing and photocopying services, men regularly visit barbers to maintain neat haircuts, and transport operators depend on mechanics and roadside fuel sellers (often referred to as black marketers) to keep their businesses running.

Personally, I have patronized several of these services. I usually get a haircut weekly, though I trim my beard myself. I occasionally use fashion designers and, more often, food vendors—especially at night after work when cooking is not an option. During my student years, printing and photocopying were almost routine, though I did most of my typing on my phone, seeking the help of a typist only when I had urgent deadlines. I also take my shoes and bags for repairs from time to time.

My experiences have been mixed. While some service providers left me unsatisfied; like a fashion designer who disregarded my instructions and delivered a poor job; others have truly impressed me. For example, a cobbler once exceeded my expectations when he repaired my shoe sole and replaced my office bag’s zip. His work was neat, durable, and affordable. This positive experience inspired me to review his occupation more closely.

This cobbler, an elderly man, has been in business for over five years at a strategic location near the University of Uyo. He learned his trade for three years and then served his master for two more, during which he acquired the necessary tools to establish his own shop. His services are widely appreciated, as I have never seen him in conflict with dissatisfied customers. The steady stream of patrons is proof of his reliability and craftsmanship.