A governorship aspirant in the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde has advised members of Nigerian Beauticians and Hairdressers Association, NBHA, to brace up and look inward for ways to solve the various economic challenges faced by members.
According to Akintunde, who is a former commissioner for works and transport in the state, the economic situation of this country has gotten to a stage where we need to look at the causes and proffer solutions.
Giving his keynote address as the guest of honour at NBHA annual anniversary and exhibition which took place at Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan, Akintunde said: ’Unless, we solve societal problems like inadequate electricity supply, insecurity, individuals problesm will not be solved. Not all of you can afford petrol and diesel to work effectively. And without that, you lose more customers. The issue of insecurity is there. Let’s think beyond of somebody will give me money or seeking the unfriendly loans. Work with the little you have and if you must borrow money, let it be a reasonable amount; something you can pay without going extra miles.’
Rather than rely heavily on relatives and loans for assistance, he said members can set up cooperative where they contribute and borrow money with little or no interest rate attached. He added that the initiative would go a long way in boosting their trade.
This is just as he said that every profession has its problem, adding that hairdressers are not ‘ashewo’. They should think beyond borrowing money. There is no how a hairdresser borrows money and will be easily repaid. She buys generator other useful machines, pay for security and others. The Nigerian economy is just on the path of recovery; it will take time to stabilise.’
The venue of the event was, however, thrown into wild jubilation when Akintunde announced the donation of a 32-inch smart television, bed-size fridge, standing fan for those who came first, second and third respectively in the exhibition with other consolation prizes.
The programme had in attendance the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Kolawole Adegbola, the Aare Onisowo of Oyo State, Alhaji Issau Hamzat Kolawole as well as representatives of government.