A cobbler in Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr. Benjamin Daniel, says he makes about N300,000 monthly from his trade.
Daniel spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday. According to him, shoe making and repairs is a “gold mine”.
He called on governments at all levels to exploit the huge potential in foot wears to get the youths gainfully employed.
Daniel said with about N10,000 daily, it was possible for a cobbler to earn about N260,000 monthly, if he or she was committed to the work.
His words: “I make an average of N10,000 daily, from selling all kinds of shoes I design. The prices range from N700 to N6,000, and the shoes takes me a day or two to finish, depending on the kind of shoe.
“This is in addition to an average of seven to 10 foot wears brought for repairs daily, which cost between N200 and N1,000.
“In all, I smile to the bank with about N300,000 monthly. This is more than what most civil servants get as monthly salary.”
According to him, the trade, if well tapped, can take thousands of idle youths off the streets.
Daniel, who has been in the business for 12 years, said it took him four and a half years to learn the trade.
He said: “I started making shoes in 2005, from just making a pair, sell and reinvest the money.
“Gradually I raised money to rent a shop and slowly increased my production from a pair to two. I kept growing slowly, and now I produce an average of 10 shoes daily.
“I have so far trained four youths who have set up their own businesses and are making big money. Five persons are currently undergoing training and would soon graduate.”