A female commercial motorcycle rider in Nyanya, Abuja, Tabo Justina, popularly known as “Pilot 101,” has opened up about how financial difficulties pushed her into the Okada business and how the job has helped her take care of her children.
Justina, who describes herself as the “only celebrity Okada woman” in Nyanya, FCT, shared her experience in a viral video, where she spoke about her journey, challenges, dreams and the need for women to become financially independent.
According to her, she began riding commercial motorcycles on November 28, 2020, at a difficult period in her life when she was experiencing financial challenges during her previous marriage.
She explained that her initial motivation was simply to survive and make sure her children had food.
“My name is Tabo Justina, AKA Pilot 101, the only celebrity Okada woman in Nyanya, FCT. Actually, I started this course on November 28, 2020, and what actually moved me was the fact that I was facing a lot of financial challenges during my previous marriage.
“As God willed it, I started it like a joke, just to feed my children and survive until their father came.”
Justina said the positive reactions she received from passengers and other people on the road gave her the confidence to continue, despite working in a profession largely dominated by men.
“But after I experienced the joy and happiness people showed when they saw me on the road, not minding that I was a woman, it gave me the courage to continue.”
She revealed that she continued riding even after her marriage ended three years ago, initially operating a motorcycle through a weekly remittance arrangement.
“Even after my marriage ended three years ago, I went back to collect bike on weekly remittance.
“Until last year, God helped me, and an anonymous Igala man sent someone to give me a bike. I was so happy and thankful to God for helping me.”
According to the mother of children, having her own motorcycle made it easier for her to provide for her family, including paying her children’s school fees.
“I’ve been significantly feeding my children since then, and I’ve been the one paying their school fees. So, God has been faithful.”
Despite the financial benefits of the business, Justina admitted that commercial motorcycle riding is dangerous and comes with considerable risks.
She disclosed that she has been involved in about four accidents since she started riding.
“I know this work is not easy for me because of the risks involved. So far, in these six years, I’ve had an accident like four times. It’s not just easy.”
Speaking about her education, Justina said she completed her primary and secondary education before obtaining an NCE.
“My highest qualification is NCE. I attended primary and secondary school. I have an NCE from Terracotta Education, based in Alabama State.”
The Okada rider also used her experience to encourage women not to rely completely on their husbands or male partners for financial security.
She advised women to learn a skill or engage in legitimate work that can provide them with an independent source of income, regardless of how small the opportunity may seem.
“My advice for all women all over Nigeria is not to be dependent on a husband or a man. Try as much as possible to do something for yourself, because marriage either ends in death, separation or divorce.
“Anything can happen. So, if you’re a woman and you’re watching me, find something.
“No matter how small, no matter how big or how large you are, stick to what you are doing. Stick to what you believe in, and one day is one day. God will surely bless you in that way.”
She also called on men to support the women around them, including their wives, sisters and daughters.
“And my little advice to men today is: make sure you support your wife. Make sure you support your sisters. Make sure you support your daughters.
