By Ethel Ighogboja
The Chairman of the Isoko North and South Local Government Areas Bread Distributors Union, Comrade Akporeha Austin, last Sunday in Ozoro, Delta State lamented the collapsing bread distribution business in Isoko nation, attributed the ugly situation to retailers’ refusal to pay back money after sales, living distributors trapped in debt to various master bakers.
Comrade Akporeha, who disclosed this during an interview, said such debt burden has forced many distributors to quit the business, as they collect bread on credit from bakers but retailers fail to remit after sales.
According to the chairman, emphasizing the objectives of the union, which was formed in 2014 and covering Isoko South and North Local Government Areas was created to unite distributors, assist members and check harmful bread products in circulation.
He said the union has continued to give members a collective voice and support system.
Speaking further, he noted that despite the challenges of price undercutting by outside distributors, high fuel cost and motorcycle maintenance, the business has remained a source of daily income that has kept many families and youths self reliant without waiting for white collar jobs .
Addressing newcomers willing to join the business, he urged them to be disciplined, build trust with reliable retailers and start small, noting that with consistency and saving, the business sustains families and can be a stepping stone to establishing one’s own bakery in future.
