Dauda Tanko, 72, a farmer and a former singer of traditional Gbagyi music from Paggi community in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
He ventured into various businesses during his younger years, including restaurants and selling agrochemicals and petroleum products like kerosene, diesel and fuel.
Dauda explained that, as a young man, cooperative farming was common among farming communities, while he focused more on hunting, mostly at night, to provide food for his family. However, today, he is unable to continue with his businesses due to poverty and numerous responsibilities that depleted his “seed money.” His situation got even worse when his eyes were affected by cataracts, rendering him incapable of conducting business or farming effectively to support his family. This lasted for over 5 years until an organization, the Azar Initiative, in partnership with Alpha Eye Zone Clinic and the Rotary Club of Abuja, came to his rescue with free cataract surgery. Dauda can now see clearly again and resume farming to provide for his family.
How does it feel to be 72?
"I am grateful for life and my family."
What do you look forward to?
"I look forward to having my children get a better livelihood."
What is your biggest concern?
"It was much better to provide for family when I was younger, things are quite different today and that’s a serious concern."
Life expectancy 2023
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