I crave your indulgence to meet Binta, a versatile animal skin merchant at the Kasuwar Bacci market that is nestled in the hills of Kaduna State. The story of Binta is laden in a five-story series, and you wouldn’t want to miss any of the pieces in the series.
In the early morning light, the stalls are just starting to open, and merchants are arranging their wares.
Beautiful Binta has been a merchant in Kasuwar Bacci for many years. She sells animal skins, which she sources from a nearby village. She is well-known and respected in the market, and her customers appreciate her honesty and fair prices. But lately, things have been more challenging for Binta.
The new tax on imported goods has made the cost of leather much higher. Binta has tried to absorb some of the cost herself, but she has had to raise her prices to stay in business. Some of her customers have been forced to go elsewhere for their needs. On top of this, the economy has been struggling, and people have less money to spend.
Despite the challenges, Binta wakes up early daily to prepare for the market. She packs her wares into her cart and makes the journey from her home to Kasuwar Bacci. As the sun rises over the hills, she sets up her stall and begins to call out to customers. “Fine skins for sale. Come see Binta’s wares”
As Binta makes her sales, Aminu a known casual worker in the community approaches her stall. He looks upset, and she can tell that something is wrong. “Binta”, Aminu says, “I need to talk to you”. Binta can see that the man is distressed, and she is concerned.
Binta gestured for Aminu to sit down, and he did so, clearly relieved to have someone to talk to. “My family is struggling”, he says: “The cost of food has gone up, and I can’t afford to feed my children. I’ve tried to find more work, but none can be found”. Binta listens intently, feeling a sense of compassion for the man’s situation.
Binta looks at Aminu with sympathy. She knows that many families in the area are struggling, and she feels a sense of responsibility to help. “I’m so sorry to hear about your situation”, she says. “What if I could help you find a way to earn more money?”. Aminu looks at Binta with a mixture of hope and disbelief. “Really?”, he asks. “What could you possibly do to help me?” Binta smiles. “Let’s talk about it,” she says.
Binta suggests that Aminu could use his skills to make and sell small items like keychains and wallets. She knows there is a market for such items, and she thinks the Aminu could succeed with the right tools and materials. “I can’t afford those things”, Aminu says. “I have nothing to my name”.
Binta thought for a moment, then an idea came to her. “What if I were to lend you the money to get started?” she asks. “I could give you a small loan, and you could pay me back as you earn money from your sales.”
Aminu looks at Binta in amazement. “You would trust me with a loan?” he asks. “Yes,’ Binta says. “I know you’re a hard worker, and I’m confident you would pay me back. What do you think?”
Aminu considers Binta’s offer, weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he says, “I accept your offer. I’ll do my best to make this work. “ Binta smiles. “That’s the spirit!” she says. “Let’s get you started right away.”
“I know the government could do more to help people like me.” For example, he continued, “They could provide more job training opportunities or create incentives for businesses to hire people like me”, he quipped. “I think that if the government took more action, it could make a real difference in people’s lives,” Aminu said.
Binta nods thoughtfully as Aminu speaks. “I hear what you’re saying,” she says. ”It’s true that the government could do more to help. But for now, let’s focus on what we can do in the present moment. We can take small steps to make things better, and maybe those small steps will add up to something big in the end.”
Aminu looks at Binta with a new sense of hope. “You’re right,” he says. “We have to start somewhere, and I’m grateful for your help.”
With Binta’s help, Aminu makes and sells his small items at the market. He’s surprised to realise that people are interested in what he has to offer. Over time, his sales increase, and Aminu was able to start paying Binta back for the loan.
Aminu swells with a sense of pride in his work, and he’s eternally grateful for Binta’s support. The two continue to work together, building a friendship along the way.
Be on the look out for more of Binta, a versatile animal skin merchant at Kasuwar Bacci market in the hills of Kaduna.
