Dr. Ihegboro reminisces on old times and marvels at how Peter Obi has changed “I am a trader” into a positive introduction.
By Chukwuemeka Ihegboro
How many times had I faced humiliating circumstances because my father was a trader? The most trying time was in my undergraduate days. I had walked into the office of a lecturer that was organising extra class in Anatomy Department to register. After explaining my mission he asked . “Who is your father?” The disdain bottled up in that question could only elicit: – He is a trader from the numbed buccal cavity.
I had also walked into Physiology Auditorium for same exercise and was equally treated in likewise fashion. I knew that if I had mentioned that my father was a Professor, Doctor, Pharmacist or other titled professions my reception on both occasions would have been different. Those events were in 1994.
Surprisingly 28 years later being a trader had become fashionable, glorious, sign of intelligency, evidence of maturity and emotional balance. I am a trader and not a Professor have hit the arrongant nerves of title. It had shown that being a shyster has nothing to do with the capacity of the brain.
As a child I had hawked goods on the streets and markets. Had been to various markets. At that early stage I learnt a lot of tricks about buying and selling. In fact before introduction to Economics class I had learnt to reduce the quantify of tomatoes, pepper, onions, plantain or vegetable depending on availability of those products in the market. As a young chap I learnt when to change position or when to take to the street to achieve sales.
The bargaining and calculations helped a lot. In fact being a child trader helped my additions, subtractions, divisions and multiplications. As a child trader I learnt very early that smiling can help in sellings. Because of my constant rigid face, my younger brother who smiles without cause was always doing better than me. But I learnt not to quarrel or fight as it drives away potential customers. I learnt to be civil no matter the circumstances or you return with your goods for tongue lashing.
As a child trader we learnt to distribute our wares with friends. We learnt to follow different routes when we had same goods to sell. This was a part of history I so much loathed and never wish to discuss. But I am a trade and he is a professor has changed my perception about that occupation.
This refined trader, more refined than a professor has made trading an envious occupation. Come to think of it who would not love PETER OBI as a trader? A trader that is contended, honest, selfless, humble, smart and godly is a trader worthy of emulation.
Having watched that clip. I am going to dust my CV, update it and include,
1974 -1986 : Trader.
2020 – date : Trader.
But first I will need to assess my EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. If it is high, know ye that Dr Chukwuemeka Ihegboro is a TRADER.
Author
