THE EVOLUTION OF COMMERCE IN ELEME

Abstract

This framework helps understand the impact of colonialism on Eleme's local economy and its current commercial landscape. Commerce, business, and entrepreneurship in Eleme are as old as the history of the Eleme people themselves. The people of Eleme are not lazy; they are hardworking, and this hardworking nature contributed greatly to their strength, health, and long lifespan. All agricultural activities practices in Eleme includes: tilling the soil, cutting grass, digging holes for yams, and cassava. All the listed activities were done manually through intense physical labour. These tasks served as a form of daily exercise. They engaged actively in farming because there was no machinery for mechanized agriculture at the time. As a result, the people of Eleme enjoyed a long life. Before the arrival of colonial masters, who later introduced white-collar jobs, the average lifespan in Eleme was between 90 and 100 years. Untimely death was rare, and when it occurred, it was considered a taboo.