Amoo, amputee who stops vehicles with crutches •Life of a road transport worker .

For Akin Amoo, a disabled, there is ability in disability. This, according to him, informed his resolve to take up a job with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) rather than go to the streets, begging. THE cab drove slowly into Moniya garage in Ibadan, Oyo State. As passengers alighted, the sight was interestingly baffling to the reporter but passers-by seemed to be used to his presence, especially as he was doing his job. The reporter was amazed at his seeming cool headedness as he scanned the road for cabs. He saw one and moved to the middle of the road, ordering it to stop. The cab driver complied, albeit almost reluctantly.

Akin Am0o, an amputee, on first contact, seems gentle and quite easy-going. A man of very few words, he is a “pilot trader” and a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). What makes him stand out is the fact that he has lost a leg, ironically in an auto accident, and is on crutches but seems not to be bothered nor limited by his disability. He carries out his duties with ease and constantly enjoys teases from his colleagues on his dare-devil tasks but proves continuously not to be daunted by the limitations his disability might pose.

In an interview with Daily Tribune, Amoo, who would rather speak only with the permission and contributions of his boss, observes that he finds the job interesting. In his words, “I’m enjoying the job. The job involves standing for hours but it doesn’t really affect me. The cab drivers hardly bother me as I know how to handle them. However, if you have any other job you can offer me, I’ll be willing to take it. (smiles)”

A 28-year-old school certificate holder, Amoo used to be a cab driver but after an accident involving his cab, he asked to join the NURTW and the union leaders gladly welcomed him, after all options of survival failed him. He is married and says that the job is sustainable. He wouldn’t mind if offered another job but for the time being, he seems satisfied with his colleagues.

On how he copes with the hazards of the job and the aggressiveness of road users, Amoo insists that the drivers are not a problem and that, in fact, he enjoys the challenges. Even though he and his colleagues are not paid salaries, Amoo observes that his family is contented with his job and the money he makes from it.

It is generally assumed that members of the NURTW are no-good fellows engaged in illegal extortion of money from cab drivers. However, findings by Daily Tribune indicate that this money is meant for the cab drivers in the long run. According to some members who spoke with Daily Tribune, the money is  more or less contribution towards maintenance of members’ cabs, acquiring licences, repainting of cabs into state colours for members, settling legal hassles, etc. The union is open to members of the public and is not discriminatory on grounds of disability, an example being Akin Amoo.

‘We are law abiding citizens’

Idris Oladoja, a.k.a Aloma, sectional head in charge of cabs in Moniya/Ojoo district, in an interview with Daily Tribune, confirmed that money collected is for the benefit of the cab drivers. “People sometimes assume that we are bad people but I thank God that none of our members has been involved in breaking of laws in the state. As much as people sometimes want to disrespect us, we ensure that we do our jobs in peace. Whoever wants to join the union must be a peace-loving person and be ready to obey our rules which include ‘no violence, non-destruction of vehicles through hitting, politeness to passengers, etc,” he explained. He summarised the activities of the union in the statement, “please we need peace not pieces”.

Akin Amoo’s story is one of persistence in the face of difficulty as he has to survive and take care of his family somehow. He exhibits firm humility and is willing to hold his own in any given situation. His situation is a lesson for many street beggars who can hardly be described as disabled but rather than take up challenges, prefer to believe that they cannot do better.