It comes with different names, shapes and sizes. Some call it fish roll, egg roll, and the latest is “As E Dey Hot.” They are everywhere in our cities. In Asaba, for example, they are found in popular junctions, making brisk business. They can be found in Asaba at the Ogbeogonogo Market, Koka junction by the Asaba-Benin Express, Nwawolo Market in Okpanam, Infant Jesus Bus-Stop in Anwai-Asaba, among others.
One can easily find them by their big umbrellas, and inside the canopies are many things for the job. It was gathered that one needs about N350,000 to start the business before, but that it is more than N500,000 now to buy an average iron caravan, gas cylinder, frying pan, spoons, table and chairs, a big umbrella, flour and the ingredients needed for the preparation of the fish-roll.
Lifestyle, after a long and careful observation of the booming business, decided to find out that due to the hardships in the country now, many youths went to learn different skills that can fetch them food on the table without minding whether it’s for the female gender or not.
On further enquiry, Lifestyle was in contact with a 21-year-old called Chimezie Bright Ogali, who happens to be the owner of one of the businesses in Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. The young man said he is from Ekpelu Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
In an encounter with him, he said that he derives pleasure from the business because he has a passion for doing the job. Lifestyle was moved to talk to him after seeing the commitment and dedication of the man doing the job, supposedly exclusively meant for women.
Chimezie says he wakes up every day by 4 a.m. to start mixing the ingredients for the fish roll with the assistance of his younger brother because, according to him, he cannot do it alone in moulding, mixing and frying, adding that he learnt the work in Benin City, Edo State while helping a woman who prepares fish roll, egg rolls. After that, he came down to Asaba to start his own business.
Like every other entrepreneur, he said that he was inspired to go into the business by the huge customers who came to his former boss when he was learning the trade, and people were happy with him for identifying and learning the job, not minding his gender. He said he had no alternative but to develop more interest in the job as his father had no money to fund his education during the time he was supposed to register for the Junior WAEC “JSS3” examination.
He said that he is currently managing the business with his younger brother because he cannot afford to hire staff.
Chimezie expressed surprise at why people say he chose the business, which many people see as a female job, saying that right now and all over the world, there is no particular work for any gender as long as one can work hard and has the passion for the job. He said, “Nigeria is a difficult country to live in because the economy is harsh and there is hunger everywhere. So, instead of idling away looking for what to eat or do, you can decide to enter into this business.’’ According to him, ‘’Right now, I am enjoying it and I am not complaining even with the stress. At least, I make a small profit and from there, I send some to my parents for their survival in the village and keep some for me and my brother, who is helping me.”
Chimezie said he has been on his own for more than two years and that the business has been booming, adding that apart from selling in front of his stand, he also supplies to people in large quantities for their meetings, birthdays, among others, adding that he had no dull moment.
The man said he fries every morning and evening, seven days a week, and customers are always there to buy everything and even ask for more because it is refilling when taken with soft drinks, tea or even water, adding that ‘’with four or five rolls, you are okay for the day.’’
He lamented that the fish roll is now N100 compared to when it was sold for N50, while egg roll sells for N500 as against N150, adding that the high cost of eggs and fish is essentially responsible for the increase in the prices of the products. He said, ‘’Do not forget, flour is now a no-go area.”
Speaking, one of his customers, Mr Joshua Ikegwuonu, said that he patronises Chimezie every day of the week. He commended the man for his initiative and for having a passion and skill that is exclusive to women, saying that, due to changes in the country, many boys are following the trend.
He, therefore, used the opportunity to encourage young boys and girls in society to learn a skill that would help them overcome difficult times, saying, “having only certificates in Nigeria now without skills is almost nothing “.
Another customer, a student of Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, who preferred anonymity, said the snacks, also known as “As E-dey Hot”, prepared by Chimezie and other joints in Asaba, are very unique and refilling and that many students go for it at his stand at Infant Jesus Bus-Stop, Asaba. He said, You will enjoy it when it is hot and steamy.’’
Also speaking, another customer, Goodness Ochuko, said he does not miss buying “as e-dey hot’’ but lamented that the fish rolls these days are not as rich as the good old days. He attributed this to the high cost of fish in the market, adding ‘’One can hardly afford fish these days.’’
He said the fish roll is a popular West African street food made from pastry filled with fish and spices. It is a crunchy, slightly sweet and spicy snack that is common in Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon. He said that it is cost-effective and that people have been in the business for a long time, and thereby commended Chimezie for venturing into such skills. It is believed that other young men who are jobless will follow suit.
