Louisa Eseke has recounted how her mother worked as an inDrive driver to give her four children and a cousin a university education. In an interview with Pulse Mix, Louisa described her mother as courageous, hardworking, and consistent, noting that the mother's determination enabled the family to overcome financial hardship.
Relocation to Lagos and the hire purchase decision
Louisa recalled that the family initially lived in Lagos before relocating to Abuja, a move her mother was unhappy about because she felt Lagos was the centre where she could hustle. On deep reflection, the mother chose to return to Lagos with four children, with no plan for where to stay. The family squatted with her friend for a year, an event that happened before the COVID lockdown.
During that year, the mother took out a loan and made a down payment for a car under a hire purchase agreement. Though the terms were stringent, she started paying N20,000 every week. After paying off the loan, she moved the family out, rented a house, and took the children back to school.
From doubters to five years of driving
When the mother told people she wanted to be a commercial driver, there were many 'doubting Thomases'. Some even discouraged her, saying it would be too stressful. But she decided to become a commercial driver and has been driving for five years now.
Louisa noted that her mother's journey has taught her to be responsible and consistent. She remembered days when her mother would say she was tired and about to give up, overwhelmed by the pressure and burden, but she would still show up. She remained consistent as both a mother and a father.
Driving as more than a job
Louisa said her mother once told her that driving is the only talent she has. She loves to drive. When Louisa was six or seven, her mother was eight months pregnant and drove them from Lagos to Edo State after a squabble with her dad. For her, driving was an escape from difficult realities.
The mother also loves meeting people, and inDrive provided her with the space to do so. She has made many friends. At one time, she even advised a man on his marriage and was later invited to the wedding. She has helped women in abusive relationships and has had many adventures. She also belongs to the Ladies on Wheels Association of Nigeria and serves as their Public Relations Officer. Louisa recalled her mother saying that she would have entered depression if she were doing a standard 9-to-5.
Retirement and recognition
Louisa clarified that her mother is not retiring in the real sense. The 'retirement' is just to let her know she doesn't need to drive to survive anymore. As her children are all doing well now, they want her to drive for enjoyment rather than necessity. She loves it so much that she even told Louisa's sister she'd wake up early to help with the baby so that she could go out and ride for a bit afterwards. She even joked that they should bury her with the car.
Regarding inDrive's decision to recognise her mother's journey by making a special video to tell her story, Louisa expressed happiness, saying her mom is an ordinary person doing so much, and sometimes she doubts herself as a mother. Louisa wants her to know she doesn't have to wear a cape to be a hero. She helps so many people through her driving and her association. Louisa is really glad inDrive is recognising her.
