Akin, the Bottled Water Seller

'Buy bottled water, cold water here!

Akin stands in the middle of the moving vehicles along Ore-Sagamu Way, calling customers. His mum sold roasted plantain and groundnuts. 

Together, they hawk their wares to passengers traveling along the road.

'Give me bottled water'. A passenger will call out and Akin will run after them to pass the water through the windows. He had to be fast to beat the competition.

Sometimes, the driver may not want to wait, so Akin has to run to keep pace with the moving bus.

Since he lost his father at the age of 8, he had to stop school at Primary 5 to assist his mum to provide for his family. 

They were poor and survived on the daily proceeds of Akin and the mother. He was the first of four children. 

His mother, Iya Akin was hardworking. But she wasn't educated and could not get a good job.

They would get up as early as 5 am to start preparing for the road. So they could sell to early travelers. They would not leave until it was getting dark.

Akin, now 13 envied his mates who were in school. He felt sad that he had to be under the sun selling water when his mates were learning in class. 

But what could he do?

His mother would tell him not to worry that he would return to school. As soon as she could save up enough for him.

Secondary education costs more and she could not support all four kids by herself.

She needed an extra source of money. And Akin's sales assisted her with that. 

Akin was smart. He spoke proper English and calculated very fast. Oftentimes, when selling his wares, he would speak so well. His customers were often amazed at how bright and cheerful he was.

When he got home, he would borrow his friends' textbooks to read. He hoped and believed that he would get help someday.

A while later, his mum fell sick. She had a fever. She was unable to hawk with him. Therefore, the burden of taking care of the family fell on Akin.

He had to double his hustle to make enough money to treat his mum and feed the family. He tried to outrun his competitors to make more sales. 

This he did until his mum started feeling better.

Sadly, on a hot afternoon, a commercial bus was passing. There was serious traffic. This was their peak period because thirsty passengers could request cold water.

Akin had sold so many bottles. He got an order from a woman by the window. So he quickly crossed over to the other side to restock.

In the rush, as he tried to cross the road, the driver of the bus quickly sped past to avoid an overtake. He didn't see Akin coming and hit him!

Akin fell flat on his face. With the bottle in hand. 

Everyone on the road started screaming. The passengers got off the bus. He was barely breathing.

The other hawkers tried to call the mother. Akin was rushed to the nearest clinic.

Unfortunately, he died before they could get there. He had lost too much blood.

His mom? She never recovered from her son's death.

Akin, a bright child, who should have been in school learning, had his life cut short because he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Perhaps, if Akin was in class learning at the time, he would still be alive.