A female commercial motorcycle rider in Nyanya, Abuja, Tabo Justina, popularly known as “Pilot 101”, has narrated how financial hardship pushed her into riding Okada and how the work has enabled her to provide for her children.
Justina, who described herself as the only celebrity Okada woman in Nyanya, FCT, shared her story in a viral video while speaking about her struggles, ambitions and the importance of financial independence for women.
How she started riding Okada
According to Justina, she started riding commercial motorcycles on November 28, 2020, after facing serious financial challenges during her previous marriage.
She said she initially took up the job as a means of survival and to ensure that her children had something to eat.
“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.”
She said the positive reaction she received from people on the road, despite being a woman in a male-dominated occupation, encouraged her to continue.
“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.”
How she got a motorcycle
Justina said that even after her marriage ended three years ago, she remained determined to continue working and later received support that helped her acquire a motorcycle.
“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.”
She said owning the motorcycle significantly improved her ability to provide for her children.
“I’ve been significantly feeding my children since then, and I’ve been the one paying their school fees. So, God has been faithful.”
‘I’ve had four accidents in six years’
Despite the benefits, Justina acknowledged that riding commercial motorcycles comes with significant risks.
She disclosed that she had been involved in about four accidents since she started the job.
“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 educational background, she said she attended primary and secondary school and obtained an NCE.
“My highest qualification is NCE. I attended primary and secondary school. I have an NCE from Terracotta Education, based in Alabama State.”
‘Women should have something of their own’
Justina used her experience to encourage women across Nigeria not to depend entirely on their husbands for financial security.
She urged women to learn a skill or engage in any legitimate work they can rely on, regardless of how small it may initially appear.
“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.”
Her message to men
The Okada rider also appealed to men to support the women in their lives, particularly 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.
“Because the life that we are in, especially now, is not the way it was before.”
Dreams beyond Okada riding
Justina said she has several ambitions and ideas that she hopes to pursue in the future, including her long-standing desire to work in a uniformed service.
She explained that she had applied several times because of her passion for military and other uniformed work.
“I have a lot of ambitions. I have a lot of dreams. I have a lot of ideas, genius ideas to venture into, as God will give me the news tomorrow.
“In life, just as you asked, I wanted to wear a uniform too, any colour, military uniform, which I have applied for from the earliest stage, when I was 22 or 23.
“Even if it was last year, even this year, simply because I applied, due to the love and passion I have for uniformed work.”
However, she said she has continued with her commercial motorcycle business while waiting for that opportunity.
“But as that one is not forthcoming, I still relentlessly continue on my hustle, and God has been helping me.”
Family initially worried about her safety
Justina said her family members were initially concerned when she started riding Okada, but their major concern was the danger associated with the job.
She added that her mother already knew her as someone who was hardworking and willing to engage in different forms of work to make a living.
“So, my family members, when I started, they were scared for me due to the risk involved, nothing more.
“They knew that their sister or their daughter—well, my mum used to know that I’m a very good hustler.”
From mixing concrete to riding Okada
Justina explained that her willingness to work did not begin with commercial motorcycle riding, noting that she had previously learnt practical work in her village, including mixing concrete and mortar.
“Because from the village, the work I learnt is plastering. You know, I mix concrete and mix mortar.
“In the village, if you come and ask about me, I am from Ajaka, in Igala-Mela, Kogi State, but based and raised in Ejuri Local Government Area.
“So, I am a very known person. They know me as someone who used to hustle.”
She said her family therefore understood her determination to work, even though they were concerned about her safety in Abuja.
“So, they were not much scared, but their point was that, in Abuja, I would be making concrete. I bought it right now. Yes, I said God will help me.
“And with the prayer of my mother, God has been helping me.”
Watch the video here…
VIDEO: ‘I Started It Like A Joke’, Female Okada Rider Speaks pic.twitter.com/ea6mcbKIHi
— Daily Trust (@daily_trust) October 7, 2026
