After 15 years, Apprentice bags tricycle from his boss as settlement.
Sunday, who spoke to The Punch’s correspondent on the sideline of a forum, tagged, “Igba Bíi Apprenticeship Scheme”, in Akwa, Anambra state.
The aim of the scheme is to revive the apprenticeship system in South – East.
A 35- year old Sunday Ndenta, indigene of Igbo – Ukwu, Aguata local government lamented about the tricycle his boss gave him.
After serving his master who operated Pharmaceutical stores at the Onitsha bridge head market, as an apprentice he bags a tricycle.
Sunday described the agreement his master gave him as “weird and awkward”.
Although, Sunday was only 18 when his master took him from his parents, because he couldn’t further his Education.
He said, “ I first stayed with his sick mother at Umunze, his home town for four years. Before the woman kicked the bucket.
He then brought me to his shop at Onitsha Head market to continue my apprenticeship training for another 11 years.
At the end of his training about to be settled by his master, he called some of his family. And presented a tricycle to him as his settlement package.
However, Sunday was disappointed when his master said that the “keke” would be managed by Sunday. Under a hire purchase agreement.
That means, daily, Sunday had to give his master certain amount of money after each working day.
The master said Sunday could claim ownership of the Keke only after the money for it was completed.
Unfortunately, Sunday said, “this will be third phrase of my apprenticeship with him after 15 years.
I have been riding Keke for over three months now and remitting returns to my master.
Sunday, who spoke amidst tears did not disclose the percentage he returns daily to his master.
As a result, this kind of treatment has stopped youths from going into apprenticeship under anyone.
Tochukwu, spokesperson for Onitsha bridge Head Market also spoke.
He said the market leadership was investigating and treating many complaints relating to such ill- treatment.