Retiree finds succour in pottery business

A former Director-General, Kaduna State Facility Management Agency (KADFAMA), Musa Usman, has found succour in pottery business after retirement in 2020.

Usman told the newsmen on Thursday in Kaduna that he started pottery as a passion and later transformed it to business due to people’s demand for his products.

He said he makes pots, flower vases, and interior decoration, adding that he teaches students and youth interested in learning the skill of pottery making.

“Some people think a former D-G like me shouldn’t be seen playing with clay making beautiful items but I enjoy doing it.

“Though it’s not a get-rich-quick business but one can take care of himself and his family with the business and with dedication and hard work, your work will go far,” he said.

According to Usman, people in Western countries appreciate African arts, adding that pottery was a major skill in Nigerian culture that attracts foreigners.

He explained that he has three outlets where he makes and showcases different items such as lamps, posts, tea cups, dishes, flower vases and room decorations, among others .

Umsan stated that most of his customers were women and interior decorators adding that he produces items and keeps while also producing based on orders.

Even though Usman did not reveal the amount he makes on a monthly basis, he stated that one could sell an item for N300,000, adding that challenges like high cost of raw materials had affected the business.

He urged the state government to create a tourism centre at the heart of the state to enable artisans like potters and fashion designers, among others, to showcase their products which would attract tourists.

Usman said that the centre would create jib opportunities for youth and women as well as generate internal revenue for the government.