“Impossibility is only to be found in the dictionary of Fools”-Napoleon
In the yesteryears, traditional way of disposing human waste(faeces) when the pit latrine (shalaga) was full was too crude. Despite that, a door-to- door evacuation either during the day or night was employed which was unpalatable with the foul odour oozing out in the neighbourhoods.
People involved in this ‘night -soil’business then,were looked down upon or disparaged. People tried to avoid them in the society like a plague . They were regarded as ‘lepers’ to be avoided.
To save their business and their ‘personalities’,covered their faces and noses when on their runs. They are called or nicknamed”A Gbe Po o” in Yoruba Language; the English Language translation is ‘Carriers of Shit’.
Their insignia was a broom doused in the ‘stench’ to splash on any mocker especially children who always embarrassed them calling them with the degrading appellation -‘A Gbe Poo’.
GENESIS OF Mobile Toilet In Nigeria:
However, things changed abruptly with the entry in 1996 of Isaac Durojaiye,a Graphic Designer and Business Administration graduate into the profession in a modern way with application of technology.
In that state of demeaning and rejection of Shit’ carrying business, came on board a brilliant, bold, unassuming and innovative man,Isaac Durojaiye , popularly known as “Otunba Gaddafi”, who singlehandedly redefined the shit business, as he used to call the human waste management.
After he left overseas for Nigeria,he became the head of the security men and personal bodyguard to late Chief MKO Abiola(the acclaimed winner of June 12 Election) and the globally recognised business mogul.
It was at that period that Isaac has the hunch for starting a mobile toilet business.
While serving as the head bodyguard to Chief MKO Abiola,a big party came into being that posed a challenge of where people would ease themselves.
There was only two toilets for about 10,000 expected guests for the party!!!
Because Isaac was part of the planning committee, as the head of the security network, and the one who spotted the lacuna of inadequate toilet facilities,he was asked to proffer a solution to the problem.
Thinking out of the box was one of the strong points of Otunba Gaddafi . He quickly devised a way of building 18 toilets using metal containers and that was his first feat in “shit business”. He later went on to improve on the idea.
Initially things did not go as Isaac projected: that he would make huge sales in his new device or venture . And despite the fact that he he pushed his product on the market,for four years, nobody placed an order for it.
With his doggedness,kept on producing and displaying his product which eventually caught the attention of socialites and entertainers in Nigeria and West Africa. He became the innovator/Pioneer of Dignified Mobile Toilet (DMT) which has become an household name in the party planning business in Nigeria and West Africa in general.
DMT Today:
Today, DMT Mobile Toilet had gone far serving the party planners in the entertainment and social circles.Also you would see their products at Parks and Markets while their staff dispose wastes in a professional,orderly and healthy manner .
The organisation,DMT Mobile Toilet,with its headquarters in Lagos is having many Nigerian workers in its payroll doing this business with dignity and respect from both the rich and the poor .The company had 29 branches before the demise of Durojaiye in 1996, with 3000 of various designs of his product.
Thanks to the vision of this great Nigerian,though late, but his vision continues to positively affect the lives of Nigerians and beyond.
LESSON:
The saying,’where there is a will ,there is a way’,is applicable here. Quitters Never Win,Winners Never Quit.