Chidinma Clement, the female motorcycle mechanic whose images went viral in December has opened up to LFBONLINE on why she chose the male dominated profession.
Born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Obinwanne Clement, from umuokoro village, Isialangwa South LGA, Abia State. Chidinma, a final year student of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture disclosed lot about her personality, life experience, challenges, passion for her work and many more to LFBONLINE.
When asked about her journey into being a motorcycle mechanic, she said : “I’ve always loved to solve a problem especially when it concerns dismantling and coupling, even a little girl. There’s this joy I found inside, whenever I’m doing it. I started motorcycle repairing when I was 13years,that’s about 10years ago under the tutelage of my father”.
She further informed our correspondent that while ladies generally see mechanic as a dirty job, she’s very comfortable working with Spanners.
“I don’t see it as a dirty job. When I got admitted into the University I thought I would stop it because of the series of advice I received from my friends and others who call me all sorts of names, Some of my friends advised that I learn hairdressing in order to help myself in school rather than mechanic, but I noticed that I was unhappy doing other stuffs and the truth is I don’t understand anything that doesn’t have to do with Spanners and Engine. So I dropped all their advices for what makes me happy”.
When asked about challenges she face in the profession, she was quoted saying: “It has not been easy, coming from a family of nine and my mother not been there for me, I suffered a lot in school, just to put a smile on my father’s face. I have been humiliated, embarrassed for doing this job, but the God has been my sole strength”.
Adding that, she also look ahead venturing into more sophisticated engineering work.
“As a motorbike mechanic, it is not everyone that use bike. In some parts of the state motorcyclist have been banned, which means this job might fade away with time. So I’m looking at the future. I really want to advance in other area. I will like to get more knowledge but it must be something that has to do with dismantling and coupling”.
Beautiful Chidinma Clement, also spoke about her encounter with the Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
“Meeting my amiable governor Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, I must say, was divine intervention. I was invited to Abia women summit on that 22nd of December but I never knew I will meet him and he was really a calm man”.
Knowing fully well that there are millions of females out there who are struggling to make ends meet, Chidinma, dropped a piece of advice.
“My advice to females out there is that they should not wait for any man or woman to help them before they help themselves. You have to make a move. You have to believe in yourself .Don’t allow people’s idea and opinion to make you feel bad. You must be mocked, embarrassed and humiliated but you must hold on to God. Those that mock you must come to congratulate you. When you hope on relatives, friends and family they must fail because you are supposed to Hope on God and not human. You may not know who loves you and who wants you to go forward. So avoid all distractions and stay focused” she advised.
