Am happier, i dropped my degree for cab driving

History books recorded that Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, a political campaigner, women’s activist and the mother of the legendary musician, Fela Kuti, was the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria.

Today, while some women are afraid of the car steering, others have decided to earn a living in the male-dominated field of taxi drivers. One of such ladies is Delta state born Susan Asakpa.

“I studied Accounting at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I worked in a hotel for about three years.

There was nothing new anymore, no challenge and the salary was stagnant. Later on, my boss called me up and told me that he will be reducing my salary by N10,000. I was 
surprised.”

“Before then, I have been thinking about what business I can do. I had three business ideas (hair dressing, food and taxi business).

I prayed about them after which I chose this one,” the young lady continued.

“I spoke with my dad who happens to be my closest confidant and he quickly got a loan from the bank and bought me this car.

He has been so supportive, not a single word of discouragement,” she said

With the needed encouragement from her father who bought her a car on loan, Asakpa began her journey as the first female graduate taxi driver in Abuja. 

“I spoke with my dad who happens to be my closest confidant and he quickly got a loan from the bank and bought me this car. He has been so supportive, not a single word of discouragement,” 

she said. 

Speaking on the journey so far, stated that her major challenge on the job is being denied access into some government offices and estates due to the colour of her car

“One of my low moments on this job is when I am not allowed into government offices because my car is painted green which is the official colour for Abuja taxis. “Maybe I read the law wrongly or something but it is stated that if I want to use my vehicle for commercial purpose, I should paint it in the uniform colour which is green. I have lost a lot of customers and this has affected my business a lot of times. “Also, I have had good times when others stopped me, often shocked to see me on the steering, they hopped into the car and most times they even ask me to keep the change (which is good for business),” she said.
Asakpa who is a role model to other young girls hopes to invest in her business, further her education and become a lecturer in the nearest future.

“My advise to young girls is that they should dare to be positively different because most of us are afraid to be different. Well that has not been my challenge. Some of these young girls have the talent but they are afraid to come out. “I know am not the first girl who had this idea but today, I am the first graduate who has come out to do it. There are graduate these days that are diversifying. So be original,”

she added.