{
  "id": 5671449,
  "title": "My customers taught me Yoruba – London trader, ‘Olakunle Oshodi’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/my-customers-taught-me-yoruba-london-trader-olakunle-oshodi",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T00:08:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/my-customers-taught-me-yoruba-london-trader-olakunle-oshodi/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "London-based trader, Olakunle Oshodi, has found himself learning the Yoruba language through his interactions with Nigerian customers at Woolwich Market. Oshodi, originally from Iraq, began selling pepper and fruit at the market, but his business has since shifted to cosmetics and hair. The majority of his customers are Yoruba, and he has been learning the language by asking for interpretations and explanations whenever he hears unfamiliar words. One of his customers even gave him the name \"Olakunle Oshodi,\" which he now wears proudly. Oshodi's love for Yoruba stems from its pleasant sound and the genuine nature of the Nigerian people he interacts with. He believes that speaking Yoruba has enhanced his business relationships, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for both himself and his customers.",
  "summary": "You are an Iraqi based in London, United Kingdom, how did you learn to speak Yoruba? I trade at Woolwich Market. That is where I work and where I started meeting many Nigerian customers, especially Yoruba people. Many of the Nigerians I met at the market spoke Yoruba when they came to buy things from Read More: https://punchng.com/my-customers-taught-me-yoruba-london-trader-olakunle-oshodi/",
  "key_points": [
    "London trader Olakunle Oshodi learns Yoruba from Nigerian customers.",
    "Majority of Oshodi's customers are Yoruba speakers.",
    "Oshodi's love for Yoruba stems from its pleasant sound and friendly people."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Learning Yoruba has allowed Oshodi to build stronger business relationships with his customers, creating a more relaxed atmosphere that benefits both him and his largely Yoruba clientele.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "My customers taught me Yoruba – London trader, ‘Olakunle Oshodi’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/my-customers-taught-me-yoruba-london-trader-olakunle-oshodi-5675496",
        "published": "2026-09-05T00:34:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}