Every morning, while many residents are preparing for the day ahead, Atabo Justina is already thinking about the road.
The single mother of three rides a commercial motorcycle around the Nyanya and Mararaba axis, using the job to provide food, pay rent, settle her children’s school fees and cater for their healthcare.
Popularly known as Pilot 001, Justina described herself as the first female commercial motorcycle rider in the Mararaba Nyanya axis. She started riding commercially on November 28, 2020, after financial difficulties pushed her family into hardship.
She said her children were sick, there was little food at home and she needed money to meet their immediate needs. Her then husband was away combining motorcycle riding with security work, so she decided to take up the job herself.
Six years later, Justina remains on the road and says she earns an average of N6,000 daily after fuel expenses.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Some passengers initially refused to ride with her because they doubted her ability, while others questioned why a woman would take up a job dominated by men.
With time, however, she gained acceptance from passengers and fellow riders.
Justina said the work is physically demanding and has taken a toll on her body. She has also experienced three or four minor accidents since she started riding.
Despite the challenges, she remains determined to provide for her children. She hopes to secure stable employment or raise enough capital to start a business, particularly a transport business where she could provide motorcycles for other riders.
Justina says she does not intend to give up on herself and wants other women to pursue legitimate opportunities that can give them financial independence
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