How Wudil youths earn living from sand business

For many years, River Wudil in Kano State has been a source of earning a living and pride for the indigenes of Wudil town; and even visitors. Fishing and farming are among the major sources of income from the river. However, for some years now, another trend of making money from the river has emerged. […]

For many years, River Wudil in Kano State has been a source of earning a living and pride for the indigenes of Wudil town; and even visitors. Fishing and farming are among the major sources of income from the river.

However, for some years now, another trend of making money from the river has emerged. Many youths in the town are now into the business of taking sand from the river and selling to construction sites and block making companies.

Everyday, hundreds of youths go into  the river with canoes to bring out sand for sale.

Speaking to Kano/Jigawa Chronicle, one of the youths said he had been doing the business for some years.

The youth,  Abba Adamu (17), who was about to drive his canoe into the river to commence the daily routine, said he was made three to four trips everyday.

He explained that, “Everyday I use to do a minimum of three to four canoes of sand from the river and sell each at between N600 to N700, adding that, “I only come here after school hours; so it is in the afternoon that I begin this job.”

Another young man, Mu’azu Sallau (32), said he had spent seven years in the business and that it remained his only source of income.

Sallau, who is married with children, said he  also used proceeds from the business to assist his parents and siblings.

He said, “This business has been my only source of income. This is what I do everyday. I feed my family, my parents and also my siblings with what I get here.

“We sell each canoe at N600. Those of us who do not own a canoe pay N300 daily to hire one.”

The Chairman of the sand business union, Abubakar Mas’ud, said more than 100 people were into the business.

The chairman, who was seen uploading sand from the river, said he had been in the business for more than 10 years.

He said, “The business is what we have been doing for years.

“Seeing that we are many here; that was why we decided to form an association for our development. We help ourselves by donating to any member who is in need.”