“I am AbbaModupe Unaji. I turned 16 earlier in April, and am currently in 11th Grade here in Fort Worth. The majority of my High School education was at Day Waterman College in Nigeria, although following a debilitating accident that affected my hand, wrist and forearm, my mum was forced to withdraw me from the boarding school in Year 10, in order for me to undergo reconstructive surgery, and then, later on, I continued as a day student at Lead City International School in Ibadan, after which I returned back home to Fort Worth, Texas, and both mum and Grandma (who was and is and educator), did not want me rushing into the University, so I enrolled in a High School here.
I wouldn’t say I have any favourite subjects, but I always have had an affinity for Sciences and Human Studies
What motivated you to disassemble cars for parts, as a hobby?
I have always had an interest and passion in finding out the inner workings and functionality of things. When I was younger I actually didn’t like “model ships-in-a-bottle” because, in my mind, they didn’t function, and were just imitations. However as I aged, I grew to appreciate intricate designs and delicate craftsmanship. My interest has always been in broader fields such as engineering, the automotive sector and property development; parting out automobiles is a valuable skill and one I see as important to my growth as I progress. My Grandma and mum would keep things important to them like wristwatches and other electronics away from me as a child, because according to them before they turned around, I would have put it apart and be in the process of trying to put them back together. My mum still recounts how I disassembled her Sony camera years ago, which she jokes she keeps in order to showcase on my wedding day! They, however, never discouraged me, so, whenever an electronic spoilt, they let me have it and satisfy my curiosity.
My late maternal grandfather was very handy, and whenever we visited him, or he came over to ours, he would engage me in fixing items around the house since I was around the age of five. We were supposed to build a workshop together at my grandparents’ back in Nigeria the summer of the year he passed, so our engagement of repairing things would be in a more structured environment, and I would have a collection of tools for him to hand over to me, but he passed before this could be realized. My mum and grandma always took note of my technicality and continually fostered this, which has been a large factor of my ability to be independent.
To answer your question, I will say I have always loved to, and I’ve been helped with the support of my family.
Your hobby, which requires a lot wisdom, knowledge, patience, energy, seems or sounds a rare task for a young man. Do you find it easy and enjoyable?
Yes ma’am. I do love and enjoy it. To be honest, I don’t see it as an unusual thing, probably because it’s something which came naturally. Children my age all over Nigeria serve as apprentices, but everyone feels mine is rare because of my background and being born and raised in America. For a long time I often felt uneasy reaching out for help with certain tasks, and following my surgery I persisted with this as to not be bothersome to those around me. However, one thing I learnt working in this type of environment is that we all learn everyday, and everybody has something to teach the next person. You might see certain things someone else might not see.
Anyone that knows my mother knows she doesn’t see any task as cumbersome. She does not limit herself, and is also very handy. Once she sets her mind to something, she doesn’t relent till she accomplishes it. You can’t be around my mother and grandparents, and not apply wisdom or knowledge, because they will always keep you on your toes in a positive way. For instance, when my uncle hinted on allowing me to be around his workshop, my mum immediately accepted the offer, and will drive me over an hour to the Workshop, and over an hour back home every day! To her, it is something positive that I have always wanted to do, she will give me her full support. Being raised by a single mother (my dad passed) whom I have all my life watched strive to provide the best for me, while excelling in areas many two-parents home struggle with, I have no choice but to be naturally independent. My mum sets an example!
Do you realise, this hobby of yours is an exceptional one, because it is a career path/journey on its own?
Yes ma’am, I do because right now, I am helping and learning at my uncle’s company and I feel privileged he recognized my passion for cars and fixing things, and gave me the opportunity to explore. I have come up with a business name which my mum is going to help register, but since I am under age, she and my uncle are handling the business aspect of selling the parts we disassemble alongside customizing and selling cars till I graduate from the University.
Asides your current hobby, do you have other hobbies?
Yes ma’am, I do. I love detailing cars, and I am also into landscaping.
Does your future career incline to your car disassembling hobby?
At this point, I will say maybe. I am geared more towards Biomedical Science and Engineering, but haven’t decided on which. However, no matter what, I plan on continuing this path even if as a hobby, because of my love for cars and electronics.
Do you have pictures or videos of what you do on social media?
Not yet ma’am. I am not big on posting things on social media, but she recently encouraged I do. My Instagram handles are:
@ab.bams
@4g.autos
Interview conducted by Omokehinde Akanke Teriba.
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