Usman Aliyu is a deaf tailor from Barking Ladi local government of Plateau state. He married three wives and with six children.
In this chat with our team in his local government, she spoke about his business as a tailor and his communication challenge as a deaf person.
TQM. Did You have the opportunity to go to School?
Yes, but l did not go far. I stopped in Secondary School level because of lack of financial support.
TQM. What are you now doing for a living?
I am a tailor, l owns a tailoring shop here in Barking Ladi town, and l have five persons that are now learning from me.
TQM. How is the patronage like from people?
Patronage is good, you know, our line of trade is a seasonal one. We have peak period, once its festivity time, but after that, we just manage the little work we have.
TQM. As a deaf person, how do you communicate with your customers?
With some, we communicate through writing, and with others, we do it through sign language.
TQM. What about your children, are they in School?
They are in primary school.
TQM. Who is paying their school fees?
I am, and l am doing so from my tailoring work.
TQM. Have you received any assistance from the government or individuals, to increase your business?
Yes, l receives assistance mostly from politicians, but I still need more assistance to buy more sewing machines. So many people are coming to me, seeking to learn the trade from me, but sadly I turn them back because l lack adequate number of sewing machines to accommodate them.
TQM. Thank you for your time.
You are welcome
