the shoe from the photo was crafted by the shoe maker
There is a saying that life has a way of introducing us to people we never knew we needed. Looking back now, I can confidently say that some of the greatest opportunities in my life came through the most ordinary moments. One of those moments happened while I was working as a commercial tricycle rider, what we proudly call a keke rider, in the city of Uyo.
For years, riding a keke was my daily routine. Every morning, I would leave home before sunrise, hoping to make enough trips to meet my family's needs. Like many people in town, I was often overlooked because of my profession. To some, I was just another "common keke rider," someone whose work began and ended on the road. But I had learned that every passenger deserved respect because every trip carried a story.
Among my regular passengers was a gentleman who frequently requested that I take him to different parts of Uyo. Over time, we became familiar with each other. Although our conversations were brief, they were always respectful. One particular day, he asked me to take him to a shoe manufacturing workshop owned by one of his customers. He wanted to collect a pair of shoes that had been specially made for him.
When we arrived, I parked outside while he went in. After a while, he invited me inside the workshop. The place immediately caught my attention. Beautiful handcrafted shoes of different styles and colors were displayed everywhere. I had never seen such a variety of locally made footwear in one place.
At first, the owner barely noticed me. His attention was focused on my passenger, who was obviously his customer. To him, I was simply the keke rider who had brought someone to his shop. It was a familiar feeling. Society often judges people by their occupation before taking the time to know them. Instead of feeling offended, I quietly admired the craftsmanship of the shoes around me.
One particular pair caught my eye. I couldn't stop looking at it. The quality, finishing, and design were impressive. Seeing my interest, the owner eventually asked if I wanted to buy a pair. I did. Although it wasn't something I had planned for that day, I decided to support his business and purchased my first pair of shoes from him.
That simple purchase became the beginning of an unexpected relationship.
The shoes exceeded my expectations. They were comfortable, durable, and beautifully made. I received compliments everywhere I wore them. Before long, I returned to buy another pair, then another. Gradually, most of the shoes I wore came from his workshop.
As our relationship grew, the owner began to see me differently. I was no longer just the keke rider who waited outside. We became friends. We talked about business, life, and personal growth. Trust developed naturally between us.
Then another opportunity presented itself.
My younger brother had a passion for learning a skill, and I immediately thought of the shoe manufacturer. I introduced my brother to him, and he gladly accepted him as an apprentice. Watching my younger brother learn the craft was one of the most rewarding experiences for me. What started as a simple transportation service had now opened the door to a lifelong skill that could provide a sustainable future for someone in my family.
The connection did not stop there. Whenever I met people looking for quality handmade shoes, I referred them to his workshop. Friends, colleagues, church members, and acquaintances all became customers through my recommendation. Some even brought more customers after experiencing the quality of his work.
Over time, I realized that the relationship had become mutually beneficial. He had gained loyal customers through me, while I had gained not only quality products but also a trusted friend and mentor for my younger brother. Neither of us could have predicted that our paths would cross in such a meaningful way.
This experience changed the way I see people. I learned never to underestimate anyone based on appearance, occupation, or social status. A keke realisedrider can become a valuable business partner. A casual passenger can become the bridge to a life-changing opportunity. A single act of kindness or a simple conversation can lead to relationships that shape our future.
Today, whenever I wear one of the many pairs of shoes I bought from that workshop, like the one in the picture above, I am reminded that opportunities rarely announce themselves with fanfare. They often arrive quietly, disguised as ordinary days and ordinary people.
My journey also taught me that success is built not only on hard work but also on genuine relationships. Every person we meet has the potential to connect us to something greater than ourselves. The key is to treat everyone with respect, remain humble, and be willing to recognize opportunities when they appear.
