For more than five decades, a 75-year-old man has been cycling through the streets of Lagos Island, selling ice cream to schoolchildren and passersby. With no retirement plan or benefits, his bicycle has been his sole means of making a living.
Despite his age, he continues to pedal through the busy streets each day, hoping to earn enough to survive. Known as Felele and Pandy Joe to his loyal customers, he has become a familiar face in Lagos Island, where he has served three generations of ice cream lovers.
Starting his journey as an ice cream vendor in 1968 in Ibadan, he later moved to Lagos in 1969, where he continued his trade. Despite the changing times and challenges, he remained dedicated to his work, even though he realized late that there were no retirement benefits in his line of work.
His dream of owning a property was shattered when the Maroko community was demolished in 1990, leaving him with no choice but to continue pedaling. Despite receiving offers of help from sympathetic individuals, he chose to rely on his own hard work and determination to provide for his family.
Now 74, he still traverses the streets of Lagos Island, hoping to one day have a shop of his own for his supplies. Despite the hardships, he remains grateful for what he has and takes pride in his independence and integrity.