This little coastal village has becomes a local center of attention recently. One young lady of 19 has taken charge of a project to help children learn the art of growing flowers. Her own talents began coming through at the age of eight, when her mother encouraged her to plant her own fruit and vegetables. Later on, Jamila Jennifer Abubakar chose to focus her attention on flowers. She learned as much she could from the books her mother gave her. The extensive collection of gardening literature she had brought over from England after her marriage to Jamila’s father, Ogande were a source of inspiration to Jamila.
Jamila qualified from school and went on to start her own business selling her own flowers locally. Ogande and Annette purchased an inexpensive van for Jamila so that she was able to deliver her flowers to farther places and she soon gained a reputation for selling good quality stock. She contributes 10 per cent of her income to a village charity which assists poorer people.
Annette Pangna-Ng, Jamila’s 44 year old mother says, of her daughter, “Since she could read she would consume gardening books by the cartload. She learned about planting in season and she learned about the best soil and compost before she was even ten years old. She had her own vegetable garden too, but it was really flowers and plants that held her interest. Jamila now has her own business and she employs a local girl to help her.”
Jamila’s father, Ogande—who was born in the village—said “I am most proud of my daughter. She has an enterprising nature and she has already employed a young girl, who helps to bring money to her poor family. She is an example to all young people that they can achieve anything they put their minds to.”
