Over the years, youths have been seen on the road shoulders of Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, selling roasted fish to both commuters and residents.

Weekend Trust gathered that the trade is turning the jobless into employers and taking restive youths out of the streets.

The price of each roasted fish is N2,500, N3,000 and N3,500, depending on size.

Some roasted fish sellers told our correspondent that they were enjoying the business as it is very profitable.

Shettima Ali said he had been in the business for 10 years, adding that although the business is not always rosy, he was able to pay bills and employ five people.

‘‘I started this business when my master discharged and supported me with a token to stand on my feet.

“I used my experience to boost the business and I am enjoying it seriously. It pays my bills, takes care of my family; and I have employed five youths.

‘‘The cost of the roasted fish ranges from N1,500 to N6,000, depending on size. We sell up to 50, especially when there is money or high demand.

‘‘Our main problem now is insufficient commercial fish ponds in Yobe State. We are buying from Borno and Gombe states because we don’t have fish ponds here in Damaturu. Most of our farmers here are not aware that this business is lucrative,’’ he said.

Weekend Trust reports that many residents of Damaturu and travellers going to Maiduguri or Kano stop by and purchase roasted fish, no matter the cost.

Mamman Yale told our correspondent that selling roasted fish is now one of the fastest growing businesses in the capital city as many youths have since embraced it as a means of livelihood.

‘‘I started this business four months ago after I separated from my boss, who I discovered was not paying me well. I learnt the techniques of the business from him.

‘‘We used to buy fish from Maiduguri and Gombe every day. My capital is not up to N100,000, including the N30,000 I use to purchase ingredients to spice the fish daily.

‘‘To be honest with you, the business has not always been rosy because of the high cost of fish, ingredients to spice the fish, and patronage, but despite that, I make between N10,000 and N15,000 daily as profit.

‘‘I have just started the business, but despite that, with the little I was earning, I am supporting my parents and siblings. The roasted fish business is helping me to pay my bills,’’ he said.

While demanding government’s intervention, Yale said, “We are calling on the government to support our business by giving us capital and refrigerators to preserve our fish because sometimes we count loss.’’

Describing the business as very profitable, another roasted fish seller, Umar Ali Muhammad, told Weekend Trust that he employed four people.

‘‘I have been in this business for more than 10 years and I have been enjoying it. I learnt it from my brother before I stood on my feet.

‘‘I sell both roasted and unroasted fish. Some people prefer the roasted type for instant consumption while others buy fresh fish and take to their wives to prepare.

‘‘This business is very profitable because there’s high demand. It has been helping me in solving almost all my needs and those of my family. I am also sponsoring my studies with it.

‘‘The price of each roasted fish ranges between N2,000 and N5,000, depending on your resources. Most of our customers are young men and women who want to solidify their relationships.

‘‘Since I started this business, I have been helping my relatives. I have not gone home without money. I sell between 50 and 100 fish every day, especially when there is high demand,’’ he said.

Weekend Trust gathered that many people in Damaturu, especially youths, have resorted to eating roasted fish rather than chicken and other spiced delicacies, which prices have been skyrocketing.